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GENERAL  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT, 


HON.   HENRY   WILSON, 


THE    LIVES    OF    "GRANT    AND   WILSON." 
THE    LIVES    OF 

GENERAL  U,  S.  GRANT, 


AND 


HENRY  WILSON, 


THIS    WORK    IS    A    COMPLETE     HISTORY     OF     THE    LIVES 

OF     GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT,    AND    OF    THE 

HON.      HENRY      WILSON,      FROM      THEIR 

BIRTH  UP  TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME. 


With  Portraits   of  General  U.  S.  Grant,  Hon.   Henry  Wilson, 
and  other  Illustrative  Engravings. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

T.    B.    PETERSON    &   BROTHERS; 
306     CHESTNUT      STREET. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1872,  by 

T.  B.  PETERSON  &  BROTHERS, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  in  and  for  tba 
Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


CONTENTS, 


Birth  of  General  Grant,  and  his  ancestors 23 

His  early  youth  and  education — Interesting  anecdotes....   24 

He  enters  West  Point — His  term  at  that  Institution 26 

He  graduates  on  June  13th,  1843 27 

He  enters  the  Army  and  is  ordered  to  Missouri — He  is 
ordered  to  the  Southwest  —  His  gallant  services  in 

Mexico 29 

His  Marriage — He  is  ordered  to  the  Pacific — His  resigna 
tion  from  the  Army — Becomes  a  Farmer,  Collector, 

and  Tanner 32 

He  removes  to  Galena,  Illinois,  in  1859 33 

The  Rebellion — He  is  appointed  Mustering  Officer  of  the 

State  of  Illiuois 34 

Is  appointed  Colonel,  and  is  ordered  to  Missouri — He  is 
appointed  Brigadier-General  of  Volunteers — His  bold 

movement  upon  Paducah,  Kentucky 35 

He  issues  a  Proclamation  to  the  citizens  of  Paducah  ....     37 
Proposed  exchange  of  Prisoners  between  General  Grant 

and  Major-General  Polk 38 

The  Battle  of  Fredericktown,  Missouri,  and  Colonel  Plum- 

mer's  Official  Report  of  the  same 39 

The  movement  down  the  Mississippi  River — The  Battle 
of  Belmont,  with  General  Grant's  Official  Report  of  the 
same 40 

General  Grant's  letter  to  his  Father,  with  a  full  descrip 
tion  of  the  fight 42 

General  McClernand's  Official  Report — General  Grant's 
Order  as  read  to  his  Troops 44 

General  Grant's  letter  to  General  Polk — General  Polk's 
reply  to  General  Grant 45 


12  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

General  Grant  assumes  command  of  the  District  of  Cairo, 
— Issues  an  Order,  and  appoints  his  Staff  Officers — 

Important  Reconnoissance  and  Orders 46 

Preparing  for  an  advance — The  capture  of  Fort  Henry..     49 

The  Battle  of  Fort  Donelson,  and  its  capture 51 

General  Buckner's  letter  to  General  Grant  wishing  Com 
missioners  appointed  to  agree  upon  terms  of  Capitula 
tion — General  Grant's  reply  to  General  Buckner 54 

General  Buckner's  surrender  to  General  Grant 55 

General  Grant  is  appointed  Major-General  of  Volunteers 
— He  takes  command  of  the  District  of  West  Tennessee, 

and  issues  a  Congratulatory  Order 56 

Military   restriction   in  Tennessee  —  The  Courts  ordered 

closed  and  Martial  Law  declared 57 

General  Grant  at  Fort  Henry — A  testimonial  of  regard 
presented  to  him  in  the  shape  of  a  costly  sword, 

mounted  with  gold 58 

The  Battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing 59 

Detailed  account  of  the  Battle,  by  an  eye-witness  of  it..     60 
General  Grant's  Official  Report  of  the  Battle  of  Pittsburg 

Landing 64 

Correspondence  between  Generals  Beauregard  and  Grant.     66 
Important  Reconnoissances  in  the  direction  of  Corinth, 

Pea  Ridge,  Monterey  and  Purdy 68 

Reorganization  of  the  Army — General  Grant  second  in 

command 70 

General  Grant  villified — An  able  Defence  is  made  of  him 
in  the  House  of  Representatives,  at  Washington,  by  the 
Hon.  E.  B.  Washburnc,  of  Illinois,  on  May  2d,  1862 . .     70 
Skirmishing    before    Corinth  —  The    evacuation    of  that 
stronghold 74 

Important  Orders  issued  at  Memphis — General  Grant  as 
sumes  command  of  the  Department  of  West  Tennessee 

— Important  Orders  issued 76 

The  Battle  of  luka— General  Grant's  Official  Report  of  it.     78 
General  Grant  issues  a  Congratulatory  Order  to  his  vic 
torious  troops 85 

The  Battle  of  Corinth 86 

General  Grant  congratulates  the  Armies  of  the  West  for 

their  services  in  the  great  Battle  of  Corinth 87 

General  Grant  assumes  command  of  the  Department  of 
Tennessee,  and  issues  his  General  Orders 88 


CONTENTS.  13 

PAGK 

Important  Reconnoissances  and  Skirmishes 89 

Advance  of  the  Army — Further  Reconnoissances  and  Skir 
mishes,  and  capture  of  Holly  Springs,  Miss 91 

Preparation  for  the  assault  on  Vicksburg — Changes  in  the 
Army  Organization , 93 

The  Williams'  Canal— The  Queen  of  the  West  and  India- 
nola — New  "  Cut  Offs"  proposed — The  Yazoo  Pass  Ex 
pedition  96 

Beconnoissance  of  Steele's  Bayou — Running  the  Gauntlet 
— Advance  of  the  Army 98 

The  Siege  of  Vicksburg — General  Grant's  Official  Report 
of  the  Siege 100 

Official  Correspondence  with  various  Generals  referred  to 
in  General  Grant's  Official  Report 119 

The  Interview  between  General  Grant  and  the  Rebel  Gen 
eral  Pemberton 123 

The  Commander  and  his  Men — He  issues  an  Address  to 
the  Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  Tennessee 125 

The  Rebel  loss  during  the  Siege — A  tribute  from  General 
Halleck 126 

President  Lincoln's  Congratulatory  Letter  to  General 
Grant — How  the  news  was  received  North  and  South..  127 

The  Fall  of  Port  Hudson — The  pursuit  after  the  surren 
der  of  Yicksburg — The  reopening  of  the  Mississippi. . .  129 

U.  S.  Grant  is  appointed  a  Major-General  in  the  Regular 
Army 130 

Important  Orders  issued  by  Major-General  Grant 131 

General  Grant  at  Memphis — A  Public  Entertainment 

given  to  him  by  the  citizens,  and  he  is  toasted 132 

He  makes  no  speech,  but  Dr.  Hewitt  speaks  for  him  and 

proposes  a  toast  for  General  Grant 133 

General  Grant's  letter  to  the  citizens  of  Memphis 134 

General  Grant  at  New  Orleans — He  meets  with  a  serious 

accident 135 

General  Halleck  refers  to  it — General  Grant  goes  to  Indi 
anapolis,  and  is  met  there  by  the  Secretary  of  War — 
He  is  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Military  Divi 
sion  of  the  Mississippi 136 

General  Grant  and  the  Secretary  of  War  proceed  to  Louis 
ville,  Ky. — General  Grant's  Order  issued  at  Louisville..  137 

General  Grant  at  Nashville  and  Chattanooga — His  prepa 
rations  for  the  Campaign 138 


14  CONTEXTS. 


ITis  Order  issued  at  Chattanooga  in  relation  to  Rebel 
Cavalry  visiting  towns,  villages,  and  farms,  and  pilla 
ging  Union  families  ................................  139 

The  Battles  near  Chattanooga  —  General  Grant's  Official 
Eeports,  with  all  the  Correspondence  with  Rebel  Gen 
erals  ..............................................  140 

General  Meigs's  Official  Report  of  the  Battles,  as  sent  by 
him  to  the  Secretary  of  War  ........................  153 

Tributes  from  General  Halleck,  General  Scott,  and  Presi 
dent  Lincoln  ...  ....................................  156 

General  Grant's  intrepidity  in  Battle  ...................  158 

General  Grant  thanks  his  troops  .......................  159 

Thanks  of  Congress  are  given  to  General  Grant,  and  a 
Gold  Medal  ordered  to  be  struck  at  the  Mint,  and  pre 
sented  to  him  ....................  -.  .................  160 

General  Grant  visits  Knoxville,  Nashville,  and  the  out 
posts  ..............................................  161 

General  Grant  arrives  at  St.  Louis  —  He  is  invited  to  and 
attends  a  Public  Dinner  given  to  him  —  His  letter  to  the 
Western  Sanitary  Commission  .......................  162 

General  Grant  goes  to  Nashville,  via  Louisville,  and  opens 
the  Spring  Campaign  .......  ,  .......................  163 

Major-General  Ulysses  S.  Grant  is  made  Lieutenant-Gen- 
eral  of  the  Armies  of  the  United  States  ..............  165 

Hon.  E.  B.  Washburn,  of  Illinois,  takes  care  of  him  in  a 
speech  on  the  floor  of  Congress,  showing  what  he  had 
done  for  the  country  ................................  166 

The  Lieutenant-General  and  the  People  ................  167 

The  Lieutenant-General's  arrival  at  Washington  —  He  pro 
ceeds  to  the  White  House  and  receives  his  Commission 
as  Lieutenant-General  from  the  hands  of  President  Lin 
coln,  with  the  President's  speech  .....................  168 

Lieutenant-General  Grant's  reply  to  the  President  —  Inter 
view  between  Lieutenant-General  Grant  and  General 
Halleck  ...........................................  169 

"HEADQUARTERS  IN  THE  FIELD"  —  General 
Burnside's  speech  at  Chicago  about  General  Grant  .....  170 

The  Lieutenant-General's  Order  on  assuming  command 
of  all  the  "  Armies  of  the  United  States"  ..............  171 

"ON  TO  RICHMOND"  .............................  172 

Lieutenant-General  Grant  and  Major-General  Meade  —  A 
Reorganization  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  .........  174 

The  Grand  Campaign  of  the  Spring  of  1864  ............  175 


CONTEXTS.  15 

PAGE 

Battles  of  "  The  Wilderness" 177 

The  Bloody  contest  of  Friday,  May  6th,  1864 180 

Grant  out  of  "  the  Wilderness" — Saturday  and  Sunday's 

Operations 183 

Monday's  Operations — Death  of  General  Sedgwick 187 

Tuesday's  great  battle — First  day  at  Spottsylvania  Court 

House ' 188 

Wednesday's  Operations — Second  day's  battle  at  Spottsyl 
vania 191 

General  Grant  telegraphs  to  Secretary  Stanton,  "  /  pro 
pose  to  fight  it  out  on  this  line  if  it  takes  all  Summer" 

— Thursday's  battle — Hancock's  splendid  victory 192 

First  Bulletin  from  the  Secretary  of  War 194 

Second  Bulletin — General  Meade's  address  to  the  Army  of 

the  Potomac 195 

Third  Bulletin — Despatches  from  General  Butler 196 

Fourth  Bulletin — Despatches  from  Major-General  Sheri 
dan — His'Great  Cavalry  Raid 197 

Fifth  Bulletin— Death  of  General  J.  B.  B.  Stuart.  Sixth 
Bulletin — Eetreat  of  General  Lee,  and  General  Grant's 
pursuit 198 

Seventh  Bulletin— The  latest  news  from  the  Front— Fri 
day's  Battle,  May  13th— Burnside's  Fight  with  A.  P. 

Hill ! 199 

Saturday,  May  14th,  1864,  and  what  happened 202 

General  Grant  flanks  General  Lee  at  Spottsylvania  Court 
House,  and  General  Sheridan  takes  possession  of  Hano 
ver  Ferry  and  Hanovertown,  and  the  Army  crosses  the 
Pamunkey  river 204 

The  Great  Battle  Month 207 

June,  1864— Battle  of  Cold  Harbor 208 

A  new  movement  made  by  General  Grant 209 

The  whole  Army  crosses  to  the  South   side  of  the  James 

river 210 

Attack  on  Petersburg 211 

Invasion    of     Maryland  —  Breckmridge    defeated    before 

Washington 212 

Burnside's  Mine  exploded  before  Petersburg 213 

General  Wm.  Tecumseh  Sherman  in  the  West — Capture 
of  Atlanta 216 

General  Grant's  plans  being  developed — Early  defeated  by 
Sheridan  in  the  Shenandoah  Valley 217 


16  CONTEXTS. 

PASS 

Tne  close  of  the  year  1864,  and  where  the  various  Armies 

and  Generals  were „  219 

Commencement  of  the  New  Year,  1865 220 

The  attack  on  Fort  Steadman 221 

President  Lincoln  goes  to  City  Point,  and  visits  the  battle 
field  of  March  25th,  1865 222 

President  Lincoln  and  Lieutenant-General  Grant  hold  a 
Council  of  War  with  Major-Generals  Meade,  Sherman, 
Sheridan,  and  Ord — The  Grand  Campaign — Battles  of 

Wednesday,  March  29th,  1865 223 

Doings  of  Thursday,  March  30th 225 

The  Battles  of  Friday,  Saturday,  and  Sunday— First  Bul 
letin  from  the  Seat  of  War — Telegraph  from  President 

Lincoln 226 

Second  Bulletin— Third  Bulletin— Fourth  Bulletin 227 

Fifth    Bulletin— Sixth    Bulletin— Victory— Twelve   thou 

sand  prisoners  and  fifty  guns  captured 228 

Despatches  from  President  Lincoln  to  the  Secretary  of 
War — The  decisive  Battle  of  the  War — Sunday,  April 

2d,  1865 229 

Battle  of  Five  Forks— Saturday  night,  April  1st,  1865 230 

Sunday,  April  2d,  from  four  to  five  o'clock,  A.  M 232 

Seven  o'clock,  A.  M.— The  Eebel  Line  carried 234 

Eight  o'clock,  A.  M. — General  Grant  rides  along  the  lines 

toward  Petersburg 236 

Nine  o'clock,  A.  M. — The  Sixth  Corps  advances  on  the 
double-quick,  captures  rebel  guns,  and  turns  them  at 

once  on  the  enemy, 237 

Ten  o'clock,  A.  M 240 

Eleven  o'clock,  A.  M 241 

Twelve  o'clock,  A.  M. — Lee  in  retreat  across  the  Appo- 
mattox  at  two  o'clock 242 

General  Collis  heads  the  charge  on  the  right 243 

Six  o'clock,  P.  M. — Evacuation  of  Petersburg — Transac 
tions  on  the  James  river 245 

The  North  side  of  the  James 246 

Capture  of  Richmond  by  General  Weitzel 247 

The  pursuit  of  General  Lee — General  Grant's  Despatch  to 

the  Secretary  of  War 248 

The  enemy's  retreat  a  complete  rout 249 

Tuesday,  the  4th  of  April — Lee  retreating,  and  arrival 
at  Amelia  Court  House— The  Union  forces  arrive  at 
Burkesvillo 251 


CONTEXTS.  17 

PAGE 

Wednesday,  April  the  5th — Fight  at  Fame's  Cross  Roads 
— Sheridan's  despatch  to  General  Grant 252 

Letter  sent  by  Sheridan  to  General  Grant — The  enemy 
pursued  by  General  Sheridan ,  . , 253 

General  Meade  directs  the  Second  and  Sixth  Corps 254 

The  Battle  of  Deatonsville 255 

The  enemy  retreats  towards  Painesville,  and  finds  our  Cav 
alry  there  before  him 256 

Surrender  of  General  Lee — Correspondence  between  Gen 
eral  Grant  and  General  Lee — Thanks  to  General  Grant 
and  the  Army 256 

Salutes  ordered  by  the  Secretary  of  War — The  Corres 
pondence — General  Grant  to  General  Lee 257 

General  Lee  to  General  Grant — General  Grant  to  General 
Lee — General  Lee  to  General  Grant 258 

General  Grant  to  General  Lee — General  Lee  to  General 
Grant 259 

General  Grant  to  General  Lee — The  Terms  of  the  Sur 
render  2CO 

The  Surrender  of  General  Lee  and  the  Army  of  Northern 

Virginia  to  General  Grant — General  Lee's  entire  losses.  2G1 
The  Parole  given  by  General  Lee  and  all  other  rebel  offi 
cers — The  Obligations  of  Officers  for  sub-divisions  under 

their  command 262 

General  Grant's  movements  after  the  Surrender — Order 

from  the  Secretary  of  War  stopping  the  Draft 263 

General  Grant  goes  North  to  visit  his  Family 264 

Grant  leaves  Washington  for  Raleigh,  North  Carolina. . . .   264 

General  Grant  returns  to  Washington,  from  Raleigh 265 

Important  Order  of  the  War  Department  reducing  the 

Expenses  of  the  Military  Establishment. ...  , 265 

The  Rebel  forces  in  Alabama.  Mississippi,  and  East  Louis 
iana  surrender  to  General  Canby 267 

General  Sheridan  goes   to   New   Orleans  —  Surrender  of 

Kirby  Smith 267 

Close  of  the  War 267 

Presentation  to  General  Grant  of  a  Mansion  in  Philadel 
phia  268 

Another  Present  to  Lieutenant-General  Grant 268 

General  Grant's  Northern  Tour 269 

Public  Reception  of  General  Grant,  in  the  city  of  New  York  270 
General  Grant's  Report  on  the  condition  of  the  South. . . .    270 


18  CONTENTS. 

PAQB 

Protection  of  our  Soldiers  in  the  South— Grant  refuses  to 
have  the  Southern  Militia  armed — Economy  in  the 
Army— Death  of  General  Winfield  Scott 273 

Grant  is  made  "  General" 274 

Grant's  Politics  in  1866 275 

Reconstruction  of  the  Southern  States 276 

Grant's  first  appearance  in  the  Cabinet — The  Registration 
of  Voters  in  the  South 278 

Eeconstruction  Testimony — Popular  ovations  to  General 
Grant 279 

The  Cabinet  difficulty— Secretary  Stanton  suspended  from 
office,  and  General  Grant  appointed  Secretary  of  War, 
ad  interim 280 

Removal  of  General  Philip  H.  Sheridan — Protest  of  Gen 
eral  U.  S.  Grant — General  Grant's  Letter  to  President 
Johnson  in  relation  to  it 283 

President  Johnson's  Reply  to  General  Grant 284 

Removal  of  General  Sickles 287 

Grant  and  Sickles — Letter  from  General  Grant,  Secretary 
of  War,  ad  interim,  to  General  Sickles — Letter  from 
General  Sickles  to  General  Grant 288 

General  Grant's  last  Dispatch  to  General  Sickles 289 

•Cutting  down  the  Expenses — General  Ulysses  S.  Grant 
first  named  for  the  Presidency 290 

President  Johnson's  reasons  for  removing  Secretary 
Stanton — Letter  from  Gen.  Grant  to  President  Johnson.  291 

General  Grant  leaves  the  War  Office— General  Grant  and 
President  Johnson. 293 

Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton  to  Schuyler  Colfax  —  General 
Grant's  Letters  to  the  President 294 

The  President's  Letter  to  General  Grant  about  the  War 
Office 297 

General  Grant's  Letter  to  the  President  in  reply 301 

Question  of  veracity  between  the  President  and  General 
Grant 303 

The  President's  Reply  to  General  Grant's  Letter  of  Feb 
ruary  3rd,  1868 304 

Letters  in  relation  to  the  conversation  between  the  Presi 
dent  and  General  Grant  on  January  14th,  1868,  from 
the  Cabinet  Officers— President  Johnson's  Letter  to  each 
member  of  the  Cabinet — Reply  of  Secretary  Welles — 
Reply  of  Secretary  McCulloch 308 

Reply  of  Secretary  Seward 309 


CONTENTS.  1 9 

PAGK 

Eeply  of  Secretary  Browning . . . , r . .  311 

Reply  of  Postmaster-General  Eandall 314 

A  Final  Letter  from  General  Grant  to  the  President 315 

A  New  Military  Division  created  by  the  President,  to  be 
called  the  Military  Division  of  the  Atlantic — The  Mili 
tary  Division  of  the  Missouri 316 

General  Grant  and  Major-General  Hancock — General 
Grant's  Letter  to  Major-General  Hancock,  at  New 
Orleans 317 

Major-General  Hancock's  Reply  to  General  Grant — Gene 
ral  Grant  on  Alaska 319 

General  Grant  is  nominated  for  the  Presidency  by  va 
rious  State  Conventions 320 

Ulysses  S.  Grant  is  nominated  for  the  Presidency  of  the 
United  States,  by  the  National  Union  Republican  Con 
vention,  at  Chicago,  on  May  21st,  1868 321 

Serenade  to  General  Grant  in  "Washington,  on  the  even 
ing  of  May  22d,  1868— Speech  of  Mr.  Boutwell 322 

General  Grant's  Reply 323 

The  National  Union  Republican  Platform 324 

Grant  is  formally  notified  of  his  nomination  for  the  Presi 
dency,  at  Chicago,  by  the  Soldier's  and  Sailor's  Conven- 
vention 325 

Speech  of  the  Chairman,  Colonel  Alleman,  to  General 
Grant 326 

Reply  of  General  Grant — Grant  is  formally  notified  of  his 
nomination  for  the  Presidency  by  the  National  Union 
Republican  Convention — Address  of  General  J.  R.  Haw- 
ley,  President  of  the  Convention,  to  General  Grant 328 

General  Grant's  Reply  to  General  Hawley,  and  his  verbal 
acceptance  of  the  nomination 330 

General  Grant's  Letter  of  acceptance  to  General  Hawley, 
President  of  the  Union  Republican  National  Conven 
tion — His  Election  and  Inauguration 331 

"What  President  Grant  has  done  for  the  best  interests  of 
the  country  since  March  4th,  1869 , 332 

President  U.  S.  Grant  is  re-nominated  for  the  Presidency 
of  the  United  States  by  the  Union  Republican  National 
Convention,  at  Philadelphia,  on  June  6th,  1872 334 

Speech  of  Hon.  Shelby  M.  Cullom,  of  Illinois 335 

Speech  of  Governor  Woodford,  of  New  York 335 

Judge  Thomas  Settle  of  North  Carolina  announces  the 
vote  of  the  Convention. . .  337 


20  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

The  Platform  of  Principles  as  adopted  unanimously  by 

the  C  on vention 338 

The  nomination  ratified 341 

President  Grant  is  officially  notified  of  his  re-nomination 
by  the  Convention,  for  a  second  term,  by  the  President 
and  Vice-Presidents  of  the  Convention 341 

Reply  of  the  President — The  President's  Letter  of  accep 
tance  to  Hon.  Thomas  Settle,  President  of  the  Union 
Republican  National  Convention 343 

Abilities  of  President  Ulysses  S.  Grant 344 


LIFE  OF  RON,  HENRY  WILSON, 

Biographical  Sketch  of  the  Life  of  Henry  Wilson 347 

His  parents  being1  poor,  he  is  bound  out  to  a  farmer  as  an 
Apprentice  for  eleven  years 348 

He  educates  himself  during  his  apprenticeship 348 

~"He  tries  to  obtain  employment  after  becoming  free,  but  is 
unsuccessful — He  decides  to  learn  a  mechanic's  trade, 
and  selects  shoemaking — He  teaches  school,  and  after 
engages  in  the  business  of  shoe  manufacturing — He  takes 
an  active  part  in  the  Presidential  Campaign  of  1840,  in 
behalf  of  Harrison  and  Tyler , 349 

Is  elected  a  Member  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
Massachusetts  in  1841,  and  also  in  1842 — Is  a  Member 
of  the  State  Senate  in  1844  and  1845— What  he  did 
while  in  the  Senate 350 

Is  elected  a  Delegate  to  the  Whig  National  Convention  in 
1848 — He  purchases  the  Boston  Journal  and  becomes 
its  principal  Editor — Is  Chosen  Chairman  of  the  Free 
Soil  State  Committee  of  Massachusetts — Is  re-elected  to 
the  House  of  Representatives  in  1850 — Is  re-elected  to 
the  State  Senate  in  1851  and  1852,  and  is  also  elected 
Presiding  Officer  of  that  body 351 

Is  elected  to  the  United  States  Senate  in  1855  to  fill  the 
vacancy  occasioned  by  the  resignation  of  Edward  Everett 
— His  career  in  the  Senate 352 

Mr.  Wilson  denounces  in  the  Senate  the  assault  on  Hon. 
Charles  Sunnier  by  Preston  S.  Brooks  as  "  brutal,  mur 
derous  and  cowardly  " — Is  challenged  by  Mr.  Brooks — 
Wilson's^reply  to  the  challenge 353 

Is  re-elected  to  the  Senate  in  1859 — Is  appointed  Chair 
man  of  the  Committee  on  Military  A  flairs 354 


CONTENTS.  21 

PAGB 

His  valuable  services  to  the  country,  in  the  spring  of  1861, 

at  the  commencement  of  the  War 355 

His  services  in  Congress — He  introduces  a  bill  authorizing 
the  employment  of  five  hundred  thousand  volunteers 

for  three  years,  etc 356 

He  goes  to  Massachusetts  and  raises  one  Regiment  of  In 
fantry,  one  Company  of  Sharpshooters,  two  Batteries, 
and  fills  nine  Companies  in  another  Regiment,  in  all, 
near  2300  men,  and  is  commissioned  a  Colonel,  goes  to 
Washington,  and  is  assigned  to  General  Martindale's 

Brigade 357 

He  serves  in  the  Army  until  January  9th,  1862,  when  the 
necessity  of  his  presence  in  the  Senate  compelled  him 

to  resign — His  labors  in  the  Senate 358 

He  is  complimented  officially  for  his  labors  and  assistance 

to  the  War  Department  by  the  Secretary  of  War 359 

Bills  introduced  into  the  Senate  by  him 360 

He  is  named  for  Yice-President  at  the  National  Union 

Republican  Convention,  at  Chicago,  in  1868 361 

His  Republican  Belief — Is  a  warm  friend  and  admirer  of 

President  Grant 362 

He  is  nominated  for  Yice-President  of  the  United  States 
by  the  Union  Republican  National  Convention,  on  June 
6th,  1872,  by  the  Hon.  Morton  McMichael  of  Philadel 
phia— McMJchaeFs  Speech  on  the  occasion 363 

Speech  of  Dr.  Loring,  of  Massachusetts 363 

Speech  of  Ossian  Ray,  of  New  Hampshire 364 

Speech  of  Mr.  Noyes,  of  Georgia,  who  seconded  his  nomi 
nation  for  Yice-President 365 

He  is  nominated  on  the  first  ballot — Is  notified  of  his  no 
mination  officially  by  the  President  and  Yice-Presidents 

of  the   Convention 366 

Hon.  Henry  Wilson's  Reply  to  the  Committee 367 

His  formal  Letter  of  Acceptance  in  writing 368 

Speech  of  Hon.  Henry  Wilson  at  Natick,  Mass 371 

What  is  thought  of  the  Hon.  Henry  Wilson 372 


ILLUSTRATED  LIFE,  CAMPAIGNS, 


AND  PUBLIC   SERVICES  OF 


GENERAL  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT. 


GENERAL  ULYSSES  SIMPSON  GRANT  was  born  at  Point 
Pleasant,  Clermont  county,  Ohio,  a  small  village  on  the 
Ohio  river,  about  twenty-five  miles  above  Cincinnati,  on 
the  twenty-seventh  day  of  April,  in  the  year  1822.  His 
ancestors  were  Scotch  ;  two  of  whom,  brothers,  emigrated 
to  this  country  in  the  early  part  of  the  sixteenth  century, 
one  settling  in  Connecticut  and  the  other  in  New  Jersey, 
and  from  the  former  sprung  the  family  of  which  Ulysses 
is  such  an  illustrious  scion.  His  father,  Jesse  R.  Grant, 
was  born  in  Westmoreland  county,  Pennsylvania,  in  the 
year  1*794,  and  his  mother  was  a  Miss  Hannah  Simpson, 
daughter  of  John  Simpson,  of  Montgomery  county,  in  the 
same  State.  In  1818,  she  removed  with  her  father's  family 
to  Clermont  county,  Ohio,  where,  in  June,  1821,  she  was 
married  to  Mr.  Grant,  who  had  removed  to  that  State 
some  years  before,  and  was  engaged  in  carrying  on  a  tan 
nery.  In  1823,  the  year  after  their  first  child  was  born, 
the  young  couple  removed  to  Georgetown,  the  capital  of 
Brown  county,  the  county  adjoining  to  the  eastward  the 
one  in  which  they  had  resided. 

23 


24          LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 


HIS    EARLY    YOUTH    AND     EDUCATION- 
INTERESTING  ANECDOTES. 

Here  Ulysses  obtained  his  early  education,  and  although, 
as  \t  e  are  told,  he  was  not  noted  during  his  years  of  schooling 
for  any  particular  acuteness,  he  evinced  that  determination 
and  perseverance  for  which  he  has  been  remarkable  since 
he  attained  the  age  of  manhood.  The  pecuniary  condition 
of  his  father  necessarily  limited  the  son's  opportunities 
for  acquiring  knowledge,  and  attendance  at  the  daily  ses 
sions  of  the  winter  term  at  an  inferior  school  was  the 
extent  of  the  facilities  offered  to  the  young  student. 

Numerous  anecdotes  are  related  of  him  during  his  boy 
hood,  and  from  the  number  we  give  the  following  : 

On  one  occasion  his  teacher  had  given  him  a  task  to 
perform,  in  mastering  which  he  experienced  more  than 
usual  difficulty.  A  schoolmate,  noticing  his  trouble,  re 
marked  :  "You  can't  master  that  task."  The  persevering 
lad  replied  that  he  did  not  know  the  meaning  of  the  word 
"  can't,"  and  would  refer  to  the  dictionary  and  ascertain 
its  signification.  Not  finding  it  in  the  book  he  referred 
the  matter  to  the  teacher,  who  explained  the  origin  of  the 
word,  and  was  so  much  pleased  with  his  pupil's  action  in 
the  matter,  that  he  related  the  anecdote  to  the  entire 
school,  and  impressed  upon  them  the  importance  of  accom 
plishing  whatever  they  might  undertake,  and  always  to 
remember  that  there  was  no  such  word  as  can't. 

It  is  also  stated  that  when  he  was  about  twelve  years 
of  age,  his  father  sent  him  to  purchase  ahorse  from  a  man 
named  Ralston,  telling  him  to  offer  the  owner  at  first 
fifty  dollars.  If  he  wouldn't  take  that,  to  offer  fifty-five 
dollars,  and  to  go  on  as  high  as  sixty  dollars,  if  no  less 
would  make  the  purchase.  Ulysses  started  off  with  these 
instructions  fully  impressed  upon  his  mind.  He  called 
upon  Mr.  Ralston  and  told  him  he  wished  to  buy  the  horse. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          25 

"  How  much  did  your  father  tell  you  to  give  for  him  ?" 
was  the  very  natural  inquiry  from  the  owner  of  the  steed. 

"  Why,"  said  Ulysses,  "  he  told  me  to  offer  you  fifty 
dollars ;  and  if  that  wouldn't  do  to  give  you  fifty-five 
dollars  ;  and  if  you  wouldn't  take  less  than  sixty  dollars,  to 
give  you  that." 

Of  course  sixty  dollars  was  the  price. 

"But,"  added  the  boy,  "although  father  said  sixty,  I 
have  made  up  my  mind  to  give  you  only  fifty,  so  you  may 
take  that  or  nothing." 

Of  course  he  secured  the  animal. 

About  the  same  period  of  his  life  he  had  among  his 
school-fellows  his  own  cousin,  whose  parents  had  settled 
in  Canada,  and  who  had  become  imbued  with  the  strong 
prejudices  of  the  people  of  that  province  against  the 
Americans.  This  cousin,  whose  name  was  John,  had 
the  same  feelings  as  his  parents,  although  he  was  being 
educated  in  America. 

On  one  occasion  the  cousins  were  engaged  in  a  dis 
cussion  on  the  subject  of  love  of  country  and  the  duty 
owed  to  rulers. 

"  Ulysses,"  said  John,  "  you  talk  a  great  deal  about 
Washington.  He  was  nothing  better  than  a  Rebel.  He 
fought  against  his  king." 

"Now  look  here,  Jack,"  said  Ulysses,  "you  must  stop 
that,  or  I'll  give  you  a  thrashing.  Mother  says  I  must 
not  fight,  but  must  forgive  my  enemies.  You  may  abuse 
me  as  much  as  you  please  ;  but  if  you  abuse  Washington 
I'll  off  coat  and  let  into  you  if  you  were  ten  times  my 
cousin,  and  then  mother  may  afterwards  whip  me  as  much 
as  she  likes." 

Jack  stood  his  ground,  and  so  did  his  cousin,  until  they 
came  to  hard  blows,  when  the  former  got  the  worst  of  it. 

When  Ulysses  reached  home  his  face  betrayed  evidence 
of  the  struggle. 


26          LltfE  OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

"So  you  have  been  fighting,"  said  the  mother. 

Ulysses  explained  the  whole  of  the  circumstances,  with- 
>out  addition  or  detraction,  but  notwithstanding  the  ex 
planation,  his  mother  began  making  preparations  to  give 
him  the  promised  castigation,  when  the  father  interposed 
and  saved  him. 

"  Wife,"  said  the  old  gentleman,  "  he  does  not  deserve 
to  be  punished.  He  has  only  stood  up  for  his  country, 
and  the  boy  who  will  fight  in  defence  of  the  honor  and 
integrity  of  the  name  of  Washington  will  rise,  if  God 
spares  his  life,  to  be  a  man,  and  a  Christian,  too." 

Some  years  afterwards  the  cousins  met,  and  John  re 
minded  him  of  the  affair,  when  he  laughingly  replied  : 

"Yes  !  I  remember  the  event,  and  under  the  same  cir 
cumstances  would  do  it  again." 

ENTERS   WEST    POINT— HIS    TERM    AT    THAT 
INSTITUTION. 

When  he  was  seventeen  years  of  age,  at  the  suggestion 
of  his  father,  he  determined  if  possible  to  enter  West 
Point,  and  Senator  Morris  of  Ohio  was  applied  to,  to 
secure  the  position.  Mr.  Morris  replied  that  he  had  dis 
posed  of  his  right  to  recommend  a  cadet,  but  that  there 
was  a  vacancy  in  the  district  occasioned  by  the  failure  of 
a  young  man  to  pass  an  examination,  and  advised  him  to 
write  to  Representative  Hon.  Thomas  L.  Hamer  on  the 
subject.  Mr.  Grant  did  so,  and  was  successful  in  his  ap 
plication,  and  on  the  first  of  July,  1839,  he  entered  the 
Academy  in  a  class  containing  about  one  hundred  cadets. 
After  his  admission  he  applied  himself  closely  to  his, 
studies,  more  especially  to  the  mathematical  branches,  and 
rarely  failed  at  the  different  examinations,  severe  and  in 
tricate  as  many  of  them  were,  to  respond  promptly  to  the 
questions  propounded. 

While  in  the  fourth  class  he  gave  an  illustration  of  cour- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    CTCANT.  ?7 

age  which  is  still  remembered  by  many  of  his  fellow- 
cadets.  As  is  nearly  always  the  case  in  educational  insti 
tutions,  the  new  pupils  at  the  West  Point  Academy  were 
made  the  subjects  of  the  sport  and  jest  of  those  who  had 
passed  through  the  same  ordeal  and  had  been  advanced  to 
higher  classes.  Ulysses  of  course  was  subjected  to  his 
share  of  the  torment,  but  after  forbearance  had  ceased  to 
be  a  virtue,  he  determined  to  take  such  a  decisive  stand, 
that  he  would  no  longer  be  a  victim  of  their  practical 
jokes.  His  company  on  one  occasion  being  out  on  mock 
parade,  a  repetition  of  one  of  these  jokes  was  attempted, 
when  stepping  out  from  the  ranks  the  provoked  youth 
requested  the  captain  to  forget  his  rank  for  a  few  moments, 
and  stand  up  fair  and  square  to  see  which  was  the  best 
man  of  the  two.  The  captain  accepted  the  offer,  and  in 
a  few  moments  discovered  that  in  a  pugilistic  encounter 
he  was  no  match  for  Ulysses.  The  victor  then  turned  to 
the  lieutenant,  and  asked  him  to  revenge  the  captain,  but 
after  a  short  contest  he  too  was  compelled  to  succumb  to 
his  opponent's  skill  and  strength. 

"Who  is  next?"  said  young  Grant.  "  I  wish  peace, 
and  if  necessary  will  fight  the  entire  company,  one  by  one, 
to  gain  it.  I  have  no  ill-feeling  against  any  one,  but  I 
will  have  peace  in  the  future." 

No  one  was  willing  to  be  punished,  and  one  and  all 
rushed  forward  and  took  him  by  the  hand.  From  that 
time  he  was  known  as  "  Company  Grant." 

During  the  year  1840  he  advanced  into  the  third  class, 
ranking  as  corporal  in  the  cadet  battalion ;  in  1841  he 
entered  the  second  class,  ranking  as  sergeant;  and  in 
1842  he  entered  the  first  and  concluding  class,  and  be 
coming  a  commissioned  officer  of  the  Academy,  by  his 
gentlemanly  conduct  and  efficiency  endeared  himself  to 
his  companions  and  to  the.  officers  of  the  institution. 

On  the  thirtieth  of  June,  1843,  he  graduated  as  number 

2 


28          LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

twenty-one  in  a  class  of  thirty-nine,  .among  whom  were 
the  following  officers  who  have  become  prominent  during 
the  rebellion: 

Major-General  William  B.  Franklin,  of  Pennsylvania. 
Colonel  William  P.  Reynolds,  of  Ohio,  aide-de-camp  on 
the  staff  of  General  Fremont,  when  commander  of  the 
Mountain  Department. 

Brigadier-General  Isaac  F.  Quinby,  of  New  Jersey,  first 
colonel  of  the  Thirteenth  New  York  two-years  Volunteers. 
Major-General  John  J.  Peck,  of  New  York,  commander 
of  the  District  of  North   Carolina. 

Major-General  Joseph  Jones  Reynolds,  of  Indiana, 
recently  chief  of  staff  of  Generals  Rosecrans  and  Thomas 
as  commanders  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  and  late 
commanding  in  the  South  West. 

Colonel  James  A.  Hardie,  aide-de-camp  to  the  com 
mander  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  Assistant  Adju 
tant-General. 

Colonel  Henry  F.  Clarke,  recently  chief  commissary  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 

Samuel  G.  French,  of  New  Jersey,  a  Major-General  in 
the  rebel  ranks. 

Major-General  Christopher  Colon  Augur,  of  New  York, 
late  commander  of  the  Department  of  Washington. 

Franklin  Gardner,  a  native  of  New  York,  a  Major- 
General  of  the  rebel  army,  who  was. captured  at  Port 
Hudson. 

Major-General  Charles  S.  Hamilton,  of  New  York,  for 
merly  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  afterwards  of  the 
Tennessee. 

Major-General  Frederick  Steele,  of  New  York,  com- 
m  nder  of  the  Army  of  Arkansas. 

Brigadier-General  Rufus  Ingalls,  of  Maine,  Quarter 
master-General  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Brigadier-General  Henry  M.  Judah,  a  native  of  Mary 
land  and  appointed  from  New  York. 

Colonel  Joseph  H.  Potter,  of  New  Hampshire. 

Major  Frederick  T.  Dent,  of  the  Fourth  United  States 
Infantry. 

ENTERS  THE  ARMY  AND  IS  ORDERED  TO 
MISSOURI. 

On  the  day  subsequent  to  his  graduating,  the  first  of 
July,  1843,  he  entered  the  United  States  Army  as  a  Brevet 
Second-Lieutenant  of  infantry,  and  his  name  was  entered 
upon  the  roll  of  the  Fourth  regiment  of  Regular  infantry, 
then  stationed  in  Missouri  and  Missouri  Territory,  with 
its  head-quarters  at  Jefferson  Barracks,  near  St.  Louis, 
and  the  officers  and  men  of  which  were  engaged  in  the 
arduous  and  dangerous  duty  of  protecting  the  settlers  and 
emigrants  from  the  incursions  of  the  numerous  Indian 
tribes  then  residing  in  that  section  of  country. 

HE    IS    ORDERED    TO    THE    SOUTHWEST— HIS 
GALLANT    SERVICES    IN    MEXICO. 

In  the  summer  of  1844  he  went  with  his  regiment  to 
Natchitoches,  in  the  western  part  of  Louisiana,  it  having 
been  ordered  thither  to  form  a  part  of  the  command  of 
General  Zachary  Taylor,  then  organizing  in  anticipation 
of  trouble  with  Mexico.  In  the  following  year  he  was 
ordered  to  Corpus  Christi,  Texas,  and  on  the  thirtieth  of 
September  was  made  a  full  Second-Lieutenant,  and  as 
signed  to  the  Seventh  infantry,  but  a  request  being  made 
to  the  War  Department  that  he  should  be  permitted  to 
remain  with  his  old  comrades,  he  in  the  following  Novem 
ber  received  a  commission  as  full  Second-Lieutenant  of 
the  Fourth.  Hostilities  commenced  soon  after  between 
the  United  States  and  Mexico,  and  in  the  battles  of  Palo 
Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma  he  behaved  with  great  gal 
lantry,  while  at  the  siege  of  Monterey  he  performed  effi- 


30          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

cient  service.  When  General  Scott  had  succeeded  in 
effecting  a  landing  above  Vera  Cruz,  the  Fourth,  with 
other  regiments  of  General  Taylor's  army,  was  brought 
over  the  Rio  Grande  to  co-operate  in  the  siege.  Lieutenant 
Grant  participated  in  the  operations  incident  to  the  invest 
ment,  and  shared  in  the  honors  and  praise  which  became 
the  meed  of  all  who  were  present  throughout  the  siege, 
and  at  the  surrender  on  the  twenty-ninth  of  March,  1847. 
In  the  following  month  (April)  he  was  appointed  Regi 
mental-Quartermaster,  an  important  position  at  that  time 
when  the  soldiers  for  whom  he  had  to  provide  were  march 
ing  through  a  hostile  country,  but  the  duties  of  which  he 
faithfully  performed  until  the  occupation  of  the  City  of 
Mexico.  Occupying  this  position  relieved  him  of  the 
necessity  of  being  exposed  to  the  dangers  of  actual  con 
flict,  but  such  was  the  bravery  of  the  young  officer  that, 
during  the  campaign  which  followed,  we  hear  of  him  as  a 
prominent  participant  in  almost  every  engagement. 

At  the  battle  of  Molino  del  Rey  his  conduct  was  so 
distinguished  that  he  was  appointed  a  Brevet  First-Lieu 
tenant  to  date  from  the  day  of  the  battle,  but  the  honor 
was  declined,  only  however  to  be  increased  in  its  import 
ance  by  a  commission  being  made  out  as  full  First-Lieu 
tenant.  At  Chapultepec,  and  in  fact  in  every  engagement 
which  took  place  during  the  remainder  of  the  campaign, 
he  equally  distinguished  himself. 

Captain  Horace  Brooks,  of  the  Second  artillery,  in  his 
report  of  the  battle  of  Chapultepec,  says  : 

"  I  succeeded  in  reaching  the  fort  with  a  few  men.  Here 
Lieutenant  U.  S.  Grant,  and  a  few  more  men  of  the  Fourth 
infantry,  found  me,  and,  by  a  joint  movement,  after  an  ob 
stinate  resistance,  a  strong  field-work  was  carried,  and  the 
enemy's  right  was  completely  turned." 

The  report  of  Major  Francis  Lee,  commanding  the 
Fourth  infantry,  at  the  same  battle,  says  : 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.  31 

"At  the  first  barrier  the  enemy  was  in  strong  force,  which 
rendered  it  necessary  to  advance  with  caution.  This  was 
done,  and  when  the  head  of  the  battalion  was  within  short 
musket  range  of  the  barrier,  Lieutenant  Grant,  Fourth  infantry, 
and  Captain  Brooks,  Second  artillery,  with  a  few  men  of  their 
respective  regiments,  by  a  handsome  movement  to  the  left, 
turned  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy,  and  the  barrier  was  carried. 
Second-Lieutenant  Grant  behaved  with  distinguished  gallantry 
on  the  13th  and  14th." 

Brevet-Colonel  John  Garland,  commanding  the  First 
brigade,  in  his  report  of  the  battle  of  Chapultepec,  says  : 

"The  rear  of  the  enemy  had  made  a  stand  behind  a  breast 
work,  from  which  they  were  driven  by  detachments  of  the 
Second  artillery,  under  Captain  Brooks,  and  the  Fourth 
infantry,  under  Lieutenant  Grant,  supported  by  other  regiments  of 
the  division,  after  a  short  but  sharp  conflict.  I  recognized  the 
command  as  it  came  up,  mounted  a  howitzer  on  the  top  of  a 
convent,  which,  under  the  direction  of  Lieutenant  Grant, 
Quartermaster  cf  the  Fourth  infantry,  and  Lieutenant  Ledrum, 
Third  artillery,  annoyed  the  enemy  considerably.  I  must  not 
omit  to  call  attention  to  Lieutenant  Grant,  Fourth  infantry, 
who  acquitted  himself  most  nobly  upon  several  occasions  under 
my  own  observation." 

This  particular  mention  was  made  the  more  compli 
mentary  by  the  fact  that,  exclusive  of  the  officers  of  his 
own  staff,  Colonel  Garland  names  but  one  other  officer 
besides  Lieutenant  Grant  out  of  his  whole  brigade. 

General  Worth's  report,  September  sixteenth,  1841,  also 
speaks  highly  of  Lieutenant  Grant. 

His  bravery  was  not  without  its  reward,  and  he  subse 
quently  received  the  brevet  of  Captain,  tbe  appointment 
to  date  from  September  thirteenth,  1847,  the  day  on  which 
the  battle  was  fought. 

Among  other  gallant  officers  who  were  connected  with 
the  Fourth  regiment  at  the  time  of  which  we  write,  were 
General  George  Archibald  McCall,  the  late  commander 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve  Corps,  Brigadier-General 
Benjamin  Alvord,  Major-General  C.  C.  Augur,  Brigadier- 
General  H.  M.  Judah,  the  late  Brigadier-General  Alex 
ander  Hays,  and  Brigadier-General  David  A.  Russell. 


32  LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

After  the  conclusion  of  the  war,  the  Fourth  regiment 
returned  to  New  York,  and  the  different  companies  com 
posing  it  were  stationed  among  the  various  forts  and  de 
fences  on  the  Northern  borders  of  New  York  and  Michigan, 
having  their  head-quarters  at  Detroit  and  Sackett's  Harbor. 

HIS    MARRIAGE-HE   IS  ORDERED  TO   THE 
PACIFIC. 

Soon  after  his  return  he  married  Miss  Julia  Dent,  a 
daughter  of  Frederick  Dent,  Esq.,  of  Gravois,  near  St. 
Louis,  and  a  lady  of  refinement  and  education.  In  1852, 
the  Fourth  was  ordered  to  the  Pacific,  and  the  battalion 
to  which  Lieutenant  Grant  was  attached  had  its  head 
quarters  at  Fort  Dallas,  Oregon  Territory.  In  August, 
1853,  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Captain,  and  was 
subsequently  stationed  at  a  fort  nearly  four  hundred  miles 
in  the  interior  of  California. 

HIS     RESIGNATION     FROM     THE    ARMY— BE 
COMES  FARMER,  COLLECTOR  AND  TANNER. 

Captain  Grant  was  some  time  afterwards  ordered  to  the 
Mississippi,  but  on  the  thirty-first  of  July,  1854,  he  re 
signed  from  the  service  and  took  up  his  residence  with  his 
father-in-law,  near  St.  Louis,  a  portion  of  the  time  being 
engaged  in  the  real  estate  and  money-collecting  business. 
A  writer  thus  describes  his  mode  of  life  at  that  time  : 

"  General  Grant  occupied  a  little  farm  to  the  southwest  of  St 
Louis,  whence  he  was  in  the  habit  of  cutting  the  wood  and 
drawing  it  to  Carondelet,  and  selling  it  in  the  market  there. 
Many  of  his  wood  purchasers  are  now  calling  to  mind  that  they 
bad  a  cord  of  wood  delivered  in  person  by  the  great  General 
Grant.  When  he  came  into  the  wood  market  he  was  usually 
dressed  in  an  old  felt  hat,  with  a  blouse  coat,  and  his  pants 
tucked  in  the  tops  of  his  boots.  In  truth,  he  bore  the  appear 
ance  of  a  sturdy,  honest  woodsman.  This  was  his  winter's 
work.  In  the  summer  lie  turned  a  collector  of  debts  ;  but  for 
this  he  was  not  qualified.  He  had  a  noble  arid  truthful  soul  ;  so 
when  he  was  told  that  the  debtor  had  no  money,  he  believed  him, 
and  would  not  trouble  the  debtor  again.  One  of  the  leading 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.          33 

merchants  of  St.  Louis  mentioned  this  circumstance  to  me. 
From  all  I  can  learn  of  his  history  here,  he  was  honest,  truthful, 
indefatigable — always  at  work  at  something;  but  he  did  not  pos 
sess  the  knack  of  making  money.  He  was  honorable,  for  he 
always  repaid  borrowed  money.  His  habits  of  life  were  hardy, 
inexpensive,  and  simple." 

In  1859  he  removed  to  Galena,  Illinois,  where  he  be 
came  engaged  in  partnership  with  his  father,  in  the  leather 
trade.  Devoting  himself  to  his  new  business  with  the 
same  attention  and  devotion  which  had  marked  his  con- 
nection  with  the  military  service,  the  firm  soon  acquired 
a  reputation  second  to  none  in  the  country,  and  such  was 
the  character  of  the  two  partners,  that  their  recommenda 
tion  was  considered  a  certain  guarantee  of  the  superiority 
of  the  article. 

In  this  connection  it  will  not  be  out  of  place  to  mention 
the  following  anecdote  : — A  party  of  Illinois  politicians 
visited  the  head-quarters  of  General  Grant  when  they 
were  located  near  Yicksburg,  and  endeavored  to  obtain 
his  views  on  the  political  questions  of  the  day.  One  of 
their  number  was  especially  earnest  in  his  efforts,  and 
while  in  the  midst  of  what  he  considered  a  very  persuasive 
speech,  was  interrupted  by  General  Grant,  who  quietly 
remarked  : 

"  There  is  no  use  of  talking  politics  to  me.  I  know 
nothing  about  that  subject,  and,  furthermore,  I  don't  know 
of  any  person  among  my  acquaintances  who  does.  But," 
continued  he,  "there  is  one  subject  with  which  I  am  per 
fectly  acquainted  ;  talk  of  that,  and  I  am  your  man." 

11  What  is  that,  General  ?"  asked  the  politicians  in  sur 
prise. 

"  Tanning  leather,"  replied  General  Grant. 

Another  anecdote  is  also  given,  for  the  truth  of  which 
we  cannot  vouch  : — An  infamous  proposal  of  some  kind 
was  made  on  one  occasion  by  a  person  to  General  Grant 
The  General  becoming  much  annoyed,  hastened  the  de- 


34          LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

parture  of  the  offender  by  the  application  of  his  boot. 
An  officer  who  witnessed  the  punishment,  remarked  that 
he  did  not  think  the  man  was  much  injured,  when  the  re 
ply  was  made  that  there  could  be  no  doubt  of  the  effective 
ness  of  the  assault,  as  "  that  boot  never  fails  under  such 
circumstances,  for  the  leather  came  from  Grant's  store  in 
Galena." 

THE  REBELLION— HE  IS  APPOINTED  MUSTER 
ING  OFFICER  OF  ILLINOIS. 

When  in  April,  1861,  the  telegraphic  wires  transmitted 
to  the  loyal  people  of  the  country  the  astounding  intelli 
gence  that  the  traitors  had  opened  their  batteries  upon 
the  little  garrison  at  Fort  Sumter,  Ulysses  S.  Grant,  con 
sidering  the  claims  of  the  Government  paramount  to  those 
of  family  or  business,  raised  and  organized  a  company,  and 
went  with  it  to  Springfield,  where  it  was  mustered  into 
service.  Governor  Yates,  of  Illinois,  soon  afterwards, 
with  a  view  of  availing  himself  of  the  superior  ability  and 
military  knowledge  of  the  subject  of  our  sketch,  gave  him 
the  responsible  appointment  of  mustering  officer  of  the 
troops  from  that  commonwealth,  at  the  same  time  giving 
him  the  position  of  aid  on  his  staff.  After  a  brief  period 
of  arduous  duty,  he  requested  the  Governor  to  give  him 
an  appointment  in  one  of  the  three  years'  regiments  then 
being  organized,  so  that  he  might  be  enabled  to  carry 
out  his  earnest  and  patriotic  desire  to  wield  his  sword 
upon  the  field  of  battle.  Many  of  the  officers  who  were 
leading  the  enemy,  had  been,  until  the  breaking  out  of 
hostilities,  warm  friends  of  "  U.  S.,"  but  when  they  united 
their  fortunes  with  those  of  the  seceding  States,  he  blotted 
the  past,  with  all  its  pleasant  associations,  from  his  mem 
ory,  and  regarding  them  only  as  enemies  of  his  country, 
expressed  his  eagerness  and  his  wish  either  to  lead  a  band 
of  patriots  to  the  field  to  punish  them  for  their  treason,  or, 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.  35 

if  the  Executive  thought  best,  to  accompany  his  fellow- 
patriots  in  a  more  humble  and  less  responsible  capacity. 

IS    APPOINTED    COLONEL,  AND    IS    ORDERED 
TO  MISSOURI. 

His  application  was  responded  to  favorably,  and  in  the 
middle  of  June,  1861,  he  resigned  his  position  as  muster 
ing  officer,  and  was  appointed  Colonel  of  the  Twenty-first 
regiment  of  Illinois  volunteers,  organized  at  Mattoon,  in 
that  State.  Colonel  Grant  immediately  proceeded  to 
Mattoon  and  removed  his  encampment  to  Caseyville,  at 
which  place  for  four  weeks  he  superintended  the  organiza 
tion  and  drill  of  his  command.  At  the  end  of  that  time  it 
was  ordered  into  Missouri,  and  marching  his  men  one 
hundred  miles  of  the  distance,  he  arrived  at  the  point  at 
which  he  had  been  instructed  to  report,  and  his  command 
was  detailed  for  guard  duty  along  the  line  of  the  Hannibal 
and  Hudson  Railroad,  in  the  northern  part  of  the  State. 
The  military  knowledge  and  experience  of  Colonel  Grant 
were  here  first  brought  into  requisition,  and  for  the  pur 
pose  of  affording  them  all  the  scope  they  merited,  he  was 
made  an  Acting  Brigadier-General,  and  placed  in  com 
mand  of  all  the  troops  in  that  part  of  Missouri,  then  known 
as  the  "District  of  North  Missouri."  In  the  following 
August  his  regiment  was  ordered  to  Pilot  Knob,  and  from 
thence  to  Ironton,  and  shortly  afterwards  to  Marble  Creek, 
and  other  important  points,  all  of  which  he  placed  in  a 
condition  of  defence. 

COLONEL  GRANT  APPOINTED  BRIGADIER- 
GENERAL— HIS  BOLD  MOVEMENT  UPON  PA- 
DUCAH. 

In  the  same  month  Colonel  Grant  was  detached  from 
his  regiment  and  appointed  a  Brigadier-General  of  Volun 
teers,  with  rank  and  commission  to  date  from  the  seven 
teenth  of  May,  1861,  an  exalted  position  for  which  he  was 


36          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

admirably  adapted,  and  in  every  way  competent.  The 
wisdom  of  the  Administration  in  making  the  selection  has 
been  proven  too  frequently  since  that  period  to  require 
more  than  passing  notice  at  this  time. 

The  following  officers  received  commissions  as  Briga 
diers  on  the  same  date  : 

Samuel  P.  Heintzleman,  Andrew  Porter,  William  B. 
Franklin,  and  George  A.  McCall,  of  Pennsylvania  ;  Eras 
mus  D.  Keyes,  Darius  N.  Couch,  and  Frederick  W.  Lan 
der,  of  Massachusetts;  Philip  Kearney  and  William  II. 
Montgomery,  of  New  Jersey  ;  William  T.  Sherman,  J. 
D.  Cox,  and  Robert  C.  Schenck,  of  Ohio;  John  Pope,  S. 
A.  Hurlbut,  B.  M.  Prentiss,  and  John  A.  McClernand, 
of  Illinois;  A.  S.  Williams  and  I.  B.  Richardson,  of 
Michigan  ;  James  Cooper,  of  Maryland  ;  J.  J.  Reynolds 
and  Don  Carlos  Buell,  of  Indiana;  Samuel  R.  Curtis,  of 
Iowa  ;  Benjamin  F.  Kelly,  of  Virginia  ;  Franz  Sigel,  of  Mis 
souri  ;  Fitz  John  Porter  and  Charles  P.  Stone,  of  the  Dis 
trict  of  Columbia  ;  Thomas  W.  Sherman,  of  Rhode  Island  ; 
Rufus  King  and  Charles  S.  Hamilton,  of  Wisconsin  ; 
John  W.  Phelps,  of  Vermont,  and  Joseph  Hooker,  of 
California. 

The  large  majority  of  these  officers  still  occupy  respon 
sible  positions  in  the  Union  army,  but  Ulysses  S.  Grant 
has,  by  his  repeated  victories,  become  the  recipient  of 
honors  more  numerous  and  exalted  than  any  of  his  col 
leagues  of  1861,  until  at  length,  in  March,  1864,  he  attained 
the  highest  position  that  the  government  of  the  United 
States  can  bestow  upon  a  military  hero. 

Soon  after  his  appointment,  General  Grant  was  placed  in 
comm-and  of  a  District  composed  of  Southeast  Missouri  and 
Southern  Illinois,  with  his  head-quarters  at  Cairo,  a  point 
which  previous  to  the  war  was  regarded  as  an  insignificant 
and  unprepossessing  western  town,  but  which,  from  its 
location  at  the  junction  of  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers, 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     UI/KSSES    S.    GRANT.          37 

has  become  during  the  rebellion  one  of  the  most  important 
positions  in  the  loyal  States.  The  enemy,  at  the  time  he 
assumed  command,  were  actively  engaged  in  fortifying 
Columbus,  Hickman,  and  other  points  admirably  situated 
for  oifensive  operations  on  the  Mississippi  river ;  and  as 
they  appeared  determined  to  extend  their  occupation  to 
all  the  equally  advantageous  sites  on  that  stream,  and  also 
on  the  Ohio  river,  General  Grant  made  a  strategic  move, 
and  on  the  sixth  of  September  occupied  Paducah,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Tennessee  river,  having  arrived  there  before 
the  rebels  could  secure  possession.  When  his  troops  en 
tered  the  town,  the  emblem  of  treason  was  floating  from 
numerous  flag-staffs,  and  the  people  openly  expressed  their 
disloyal  sentiments.  The  railroad  depot,  post-office,  tele 
graph  office,  and  other  public  buildings  were  seized,  and 
the  following  proclamation  was  issued  : 

"  PADUCAH,  KY.,  September  6tfi,  1861. 
"To  the  Citizens  of  Paducah: 

"  I  have  come  among  you  not  as  an  enemy,  but  as  your  fellow- 
citizen.  Not  to  maltreat  or  annoy  you,  but  to  respect  and  en 
force  the  rights  of  all  loyal  citizens.  An  enemy,  in  rebellion 
against  our  common  Government,  has  taken  possession  of,  and 
planted  its  guns  on  the  soil  of  Kentucky,  and  fired  upon  you. 
Columbus  and  Hickman  are  in  his  hands.  He  is  moving  upon, 
your  city.  I  am  here  to  defend  you  against  this  enemy,  to  assist 
the  authority  and  sovereignty  of  your  Government.  I  have 
nothing  to  do  with  opinions,  and  shall  deal  only  with  armed  re 
bellion  and  its  aiders  and  abettors.  You  can  pursue  your  usual 
avocations  without  fear.  The  strong  arm  of  the  Government  is 
here  to  protect  its  friends  and  punish  its  enemies.  Whenever  it 
is  manifest  that  you  are  able  to  defend  yourselves  and  maintain 
the  authority  of  the  Government  and  protect  the  rights  of  loyal 
citizens,  J  shall  withdraw  the  forces  under  my  command. 

"U.  S.  GRANT,  Brigadier- General  Commanding" 

This  movement  was  one  of  the  boldest  which  had  up  to 
that  date  been  made  in  the  West.  The  troops  under  Gen 
eral  Grant,  consisting  of  two  Illinois  regiments,  with  four 
pieces  of  artillery,  left  Cairo  under  the  protection  of  two 
gunboats.  The  disembarkation  at  Paducah  was  rapidly 


38          LIFE    OF    GENE  SAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

accomplished,  and  notwithstanding  the  offensive  cheers 
for  Jefferson  Davis  and  other  leading  traitors,  and  the  va 
rious  insulting  remarks  which  greeted  the  troops  in  the 
highways  and  byways,  they  marched  steadily  forward, 
perfecting  the  occupation,  and  seizing  immense  quantities 
of  stores  which  were  awaiting  shipment  to  the  South.  A 
small  force  was  then  sent  down  the  railroad  some  seven 
or  eight  miles,  and  destroyed  an  important  bridge  over 
which  until  that  moment  the  enemy  had  expected  to  be 
transported  within  a  few  hours.  The  gunboat  Conestoga 
was  in  the  meantime  sent  up  the  Tennessee  river  and  cap 
tured  three  steamers.  General  Paine  was  placed  in  com 
mand,  and  General  Grant  returned  to  Cairo.  On  the 
twenty-fifth  of  September,  1861,  Smithland,  Kentucky,  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Cumberland,  was  also  occupied,  thus 
blockading  two  important  streams,  and  securing  two  almost 
indispensable  bases  of  operations  for  future  movements. 

PROPOSED  EXCHANGE  OF  PRISONERS. 

In  the  following  October,  the  following  correspondence 
passed  between  General  Grant  and  Major-General  Polk, 
formerly  a  much  respected  Bishop  of  the  Episcopal  Church, 
but  subsequently  one  of  the  most  bitter  and  unscrupulous 
officers  of  the  rebel  service  : 

"HEAD-QUARTERS,  FIRST  DIVISION, 
"  WESTERN  DEPARTMENT. 

"To  the  Commanding  Officer  at  Cairo  and -Bird's  Point: 

"  I  have  iu  my  camp  a  number  of  prisoners  of  the  Federal 
army,  and  am  informed  there  are  prisoners  belonging  to  the 
Missouri  State  troops  in  yours.  I  propose  an  exchange  of  these 
prisoners,  and  for  that  purpose  send  Captain  Polk,  of  the  Ar 
tillery,  and  Lieutenant  Smith,  of  the  Infantry,  both  of  the 
Confederate  States  Army,  with  a  flag  of  truce,  to  deliver  to  you 
this  communication,  and  to  know  your  pleasure  in  regard  to  my 
proposition. 

"  The  principles  recognized  in  the  exchange  of  prisoners  ef 
fected  on  the  third  of  September,  between  Brigadier-General 
Pillow,  of  the  Confederate  Army,  and  Colonel  Wallace,  of  the 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          39 

United  States  Army,  are  those  I  propose  as  the  basis  of  that 
now  contemplated. 

"  Kespectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  L.  POLK, 
"Major-  General  Commanding." 

To  this  communication  General  Grant  forwarded  the 
following  reply : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT 
"  SOUTHEAST  MISSOURI,  CAIRO,  Oct.  14th,  1861. 
"  GENERAL  : — Yours  of  this  date  is  just  received.     In  regard 
to  an  exchange  of  prisoners,  as  proposed,  I  can  of  my  own  ac 
cordance  make  none.     I  recognize  no  '  Southern  Confederacy' 
myself,  but  will  communicate  with  higher  authorities   for  their 
views.     Should  I   not  be  sustained,  I  will  find  means  of  com 
municating  with  you. 

"  Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Brigadier-  General  Commanding. 
"  To  MAJOR-GENERAL  POLK,  Columbus,  Ky." 

THE  BATTLE  OF  FREDERICKTOWN,  MISSOURI. 

About  the  middle  of  October,  1861,  General  Grant  ordered 
Colonel  Plummer,  of  the  Eleventh  Missouri  volunteers,  to 
proceed  with  a  portion  of  the  troops  stationed  at  Cape 
Girardeau  in  pursuit  of  Jeff.  Thompson,  who  was  then  re 
ported  to  be  at  Fredericktown.  On  the  eighteenth,  that 
officer  left  his  head-quarters  with  about  fifteen  hundred 
men,  cavalry,  infantry  and  artillery,  and  on  the  twenty- 
first  arrived  at  Fredericktown,  where  he  found  Colonel 
Carlin's  command,  and  augmenting  his  strength  by  acces 
sions  from  the  ranks  of  his  brother  commander,  he  advanced 
about  a  mile  beyond  the  town,  and  discovered  the  rebels 
drawn  up  in  line.  He  immediately  attacked  him,  and 
after  a  severe  engagement  of  nearly  three  hours,  compelled 
him  to  retire.  On  the  following  day  he  pursued  Thomp 
son  twenty-two  miles,  but  finding  it  impossible  to  overtake 
him,  returned  to  Cape  Girardeau,  taking  with  him  a  num 
ber  of  prisoners  and  small  arms,  and  one  small  piece  of 
artillery  captured  upon  the  field. 


40          LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES     S.   GRANT. 

Upon  receiving  Colonel  Plummer's  report  of  the  engage 
ment,  General  Grant  addressed  the  following  letter  to  the 
victor : 

"HEAD-QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  SOUTHEAST  MISSOURI, 

"  CAIRO,  October  21th,  1861. 
"  COLONEL  J.  B.  PLUMMER,  Commanding  United  States  Forces, 

"Cape  Girardeau,  Mo.: 

"  COLONEL  : — Your  report  of  the  expedition  under  your  com. 
mand  is  received.  I  congratulate  you,  and  the  officers  and 
soldiers  of  the  expedition,  upon  the  result. 

"  But  little  doubt  can  be  entertained  of  the  success  of  our 
arms,  when  not  opposed  by  superior  numbers  ;  and  in  the  action 
of  Fredericktown  they  have  given  proof  of  courage  and  de 
termination,  which  shows  that  they  would  undergo  any  fatigue 
or  hardships  to  meet  our  rebellious  brethren,  even  at  great  odds. 
"  Our  loss,  small  as  it  was,  is  to  be  regretted  ;  but  the  friends 
and  relatives  of  those  who  fell  can  congratulate  themselves  in 
the  midst  of  their  affliction,  that  they  fell  in  maintaining  the 
cause  of  constitutional  freedom  and  the  integrity  of  a  flag 
erected  in  the  first  instance  at  a  sacrifice  of  many  of  the  noblest 
lives  that  ever  graced  a  nation. 

"  In  conclusion,  say  to  your  troops  they  have  done  nobly.  It 
goes  to  prove  that  much  more  may  be  expected  of  them  when 
the  country  and  our  great  cause  calls  upon  them. 

"  Yours,  etc.,  "  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Brigadier-  General  Commanding ." 

THE  MOVEMENT    DOWN  THE  MISSISSIPPI 
RIVER— THE   BATTLE  OF  BELMONT. 

Early  in  November,  1861,  General  Grant  received  orders 
from  the  commanding-general  of  the  Department,  to  make  a 
formidable  movement  down  the  Mississippi  towards  Bel- 
mont  and  Columbus.  The  order  was -obeyed,  but  unfor 
tunately  with  an  unsuccessful  result,  the  intelligence  of 
which,  when  received  in  the  loyal  States,  disheartened  the 
timid,  and,  until  the  circumstances  were  fully  known,  pro 
voked  much  invidious  comment  as  to  the  ability  and  skill 
of  the  leader  under  whose  command  the  repulsed  troops 
had  attacked  the  rebel  works.  The  following  official  re 
port,  after  the  affair  had  been  thoroughly  investigated, 
was  accepted  as  the  true  and  correct  account  of  the  pro 
ceedings  upon  that  eventful  day  : 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          41 

"  CAIRO,  November  12th,  1861. 

"On  the  evening  of  the  sixth  inst.  I  left  this  place  with  two 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty  mon  of  all  arms,  to  make  a  re- 
connoissance  toward  Columbus.  The  object  of  the  expedition 
was  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  sending  out  reinforcements  to 
Price's  army  in  Missouri,  and  also  from  cutting  off  columns 
that  I  had  been  directed  to  send  out  from  this  place  and  Cape 
Gitardeau,  in  pursuit  of  Jeff.  Thompson.  Knowing  that 
Columbus  was  strongly  garrisoned,  I  asked  General  Smith, 
commanding  at  Paducah,  Ky.,  to  make  demonstrations  in  the 
same  direction.  He  did  so  by  ordering  a  small  force  to  May- 
field  and  another  in  the  direction  of  Columbus,  not  to  approach 
nearer,  however,  than  twelve  or  fifteen  miles.  I  also  sent  a 
small  force  on  the  Kentucky  side  with  orders  not  to  approach 
nearer  than  Ellicott's  Mills,  some  twelve  miles  from  Columbus. 
The  expedition  under  my  immediate  command  was  stopped  about 
nine  miles  below  here  on  the  Kentucky  shore,  and  remained 
until  morning.  All  this  served  to  distract  the  enemy,  and  led 
him  to  think  he  was  to  be  attacked  in  his  strongly  fortified  posi 
tion.  At  daylight  we  proceeded  down  the  river  to  a  point  just 
out  of  range  of  the  rebel  guns,  and  debarked  on  the  M  issouri  shore. 
From  here  the  troops  were,  marched  by  flank  for  about  one  mile 
toward  Belrnont,  and  then  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle,  a  battalion 
also  having  been  left  as  a  reserve  near  the  transports.  Two  com 
panies  from  each  regiment,  five  skeletons  in  number,  were  then 
thrown  out  as  skirmishers,  to  ascertain  the  position  of  the  enemy. 
It  was  but  a  few  moments  before  we  met  him,  and  a  general  en 
gagement  ensued. 

"  The  balance  of  my  forces,  with  the  exception  of  the  reserve, 
was  then  thrown  forward — all  as  skirmishers — and  the  enemy 
driven  foot  by  foot,  and  from  tree  to  tree,  back  to  their  encamp 
ment  on  the  river  bank,  a  distance  of  two  miles.  Here  they 
had  strengthened  their  position  by  felling  the  timber  for  several 
hundred  yards  around  their  camp,  and  making  a  sort  of  abatis. 
Our  men  charged  through  this,  driving  the  enemy  over  the 
bank  into  their  transports  in  quick  time,  leaving  us  in  posses 
sion  of  every  thing  not  exceedingly  portable.  Belmont  is  on 
low  ground,  and  every  foot  of  it  is  commanded  by  the  guns  on 
the  opposite  shore,  and  of  course  could  not  be  held  for  a  single 
hour  after  the  enemy  became  aware  of  the  withdrawal  of  their 
troops.  Having  no  wagons,  I  could  not  move  any  of  the  cap 
tured  property;  consequently,  I  gave  orders  for  its  destruction. 
Their  tents,  blankets,  etc.,  were  set  on  fire,  and  we  retired,  taking 
their  artillery  with  us,  two  pieces  being  drawn  by  hand  ;  and  one 
other,  drawn  by  an  inefficient  team,  we  spiked  and  left  in  the 
woods,  bringing  the  only  two  to  this  place.  Before  getting 
fairly  under  way  the  enemy  made  his  appearance  again,  and  at 
tempted  to  surround  us.  Our  troops  were  not  in  the  least  dis 
couraged,  but  charged  on  the  enemy  again  and  defeated  him. 


42          LIFE   OF   GENEKAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

Our  loss  was  about  eighty-four  killed,  one  hundred  and  fifty 
wounded — many  of  them  slightly — and  about  an  equal  number 
missing.  Nearly  all  the  missing  were  from  the  Iowa  regiment, 
who  behaved  with  great  gallantry,  and  suffered  more  severely 
than  any  other  of  the  troops. 

"  I  have  not  been  able  to  put  in  the  reports  from  sub-com 
mands,  but  will  forward  them  as  soon  as  received.  All  the 
troops  behaved  with  much  gallantry,  much  of  which  is  attrib 
uted  to  the  coolness  and  presence  of  mind  of  the  officers,  par 
ticularly  the  colonels.  General  McClernand  was  in  the  midst  of 
danger  throughout  the  engagement,  and  displayed  both  coolness 
and  judgment.  His  horse  was  three  times  shot.  My  horse  was 
also  shot  under  me.  To  my  staff,  Captains  Rawlins,  Logan,  and 
Hillyer,  volunteer  aids,  and  to  Captains  Hatch  and  Graham,  I 
am  much  indebted  for  the  assistance  they  gave.  Colonel  Web 
ster,  acting  chief  engineer,  also  accompanied  me,  and|  displayed 
highly  soldier-like  qualities.  Colonel  Dougherty,  of  the  Twenty- 
second  Illinois  Volunteers,  was  three  times  wounded  and  taken 
prisoner. 

"  The  Seventh  Iowa  regiment  had  their  Lieutenant-Colonel 
killed,  and  the  Colonel  and  Major  were  severely  wounded.  Th£ 
reports  to  be  forwarded  will  detail  more  fully  the  particulars  of 
our  loss.  Surgeon  Brinton  was  in 'the  field  during  the  entire 
engagement,  and  displayed  great  ability  and  efficiency  in  pro 
viding  for  the  wounded  and  organizing  the  medical  corps. 

"  The  gunboats  Tyler  and  Lexington,  Captains  Walker  and 
Stemble,  U.  S.  N.,  commanding,  convoyed  the  expedition  and 
rendered  most  efficient  service.  Immediately  upon  our  landing 
they  engaged  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  protected  our  trans 
ports  throughout. 

"  I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT, 
''Brigadier-  Genial 


In  a  private  letter  written  by  General  Grant  to  hi 
father  on  the  day  after  the  battle,  was  the  following  inter 
esting  description  of  the  fight : 

"  Day  before  yesterday  I  left  Cairo  with  about  three  thousand 
men,  in  five  steamers,  convoyed  by  two  gunboats,  and  proceeded 
down  the  river  to  within  about  twelve  miles  of  Columbus.  The 
next  morning  the  boats  were  dropped  down  just  out  of  range  of 
the  enemy's  batteries,  and  the  troops  debarked.  During  this 
operation  our  gunboats  exercised  the  rebels  by  throwing  shells 
into  their  camps  and  batteries.  When  all  ready,  we  proceeded 
about  one  mile  toward  Belmont,  opposite  to  Columbus,  when  I 
formed  the  troops  into  line,  and  ordered  two  companies  from  each 
regiment  to  deploy  as  skirmishers,  and  push  on  through  the 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          43 

woods  and  discover  the  position  of  the  enemy.  They  had  gone 
but  a  little  way  when  they  were  fired  upon,  and  the  ball  may  be 
said  to  have  fairly  opened. 

"  The  whole  command,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  reserve, 
was  then  deployed  in  like  manner  and  ordered  forward.  The 
order  was  obeyed  with  great  alacrity,  the  men  all  showing  great 
courage.  I  can  say  with  great  gratification  that  every  colonel, 
without  a  single  exception,  set  an  example  to  their  commands 
that  inspired  a  confidence  that  will  always  insure  victory  when 
there"  is  the  slightest  possibility  of  gaining  one.  I  feel  truly 
proud  to  command  such  men. 

"  From  here  we  fought  our  way  from  tree  to  tree  through  the 
woods  to  Belmont,  about  two  and  a  half  miles,  the  enemy  con 
testing  every  foot  of  ground.  Here  the  enemy  had  strengthened 
their  position  by  felling  the  trees  for  two  or  three  hundred  yards 
and  sharpening  their  limbs,  making  a  sort  of  abatis.  Our  men 
charged  through,  making  the  victory  complete,  giving  us  pos 
session  of  their  camp  and  garrison  equipage,  artillery,  and 
every  thing  else. 

"  We  got  a  great  many  prisoners.  The  majority,  however, 
succeeded  in  getting  aboard  their  steamers  and  pushing  across 
the  river.  We  burned  every  thing  possible  and  started  back, 
having  accomplished  all  that  we  went  for,  and  even  more.  Bel 
mont  is  entirely  covered  by  the  batteries  from  Columbus,  and 
is  worth  nothing  as  a  military  position — cannot  be  held  without 
Columbus. 

"  The  object  of  the  expedition  was  to  prevent  the  enemy  from 
sending  a  force  into  Missouri  to  cut  off  troops  I  had  sent  there 
for  a  special  purpose,  and  to  prevent  reinforcing  Price. 

"  Besides  being  well  fortified  at  Columbus,  their  numbers  far 
exceeded  ours,  and  it  would  have  been  folly  to  have  attacked 
them.  We  found  the  Confederates  well  armed  and  brave.  On 
our  return,  stragglers,  that  had  been  left  in  our  rear  (now  front) 
fired  into  us,  and  more  recrossed  the  river  and  gave  us  battle  for 
a  full  mile,  and  afterward  at  the  boats  when  we  were  embarking. 
"There  was  no  hasty  retreating  or  running  away.  Taking 
into  account  the  object  of  the  expedition,  the  victory  was  com 
plete.  It  has  given  us  confidence  in  the  officers  and  men  of  this 
command,  that  will  enable  us  to  lead  them  in  any  future  engage 
ment  without  fear  of  the  result.  General  McClernand  (who,  by 
the  way,  acted  with  great  coolness  and  courage  throughout,  and 
proved  that  he  is  a  soldier  as  well  as  a  statesman)  and  myself, 
each  had  our  horses  shot  under  us.  Most  of  the  field  officers 
met  with  the  same  loss,  besides  nearly  one-third  of  them  being 
themselves  killed  or  wounded.  As  near  as  I  can  ascertain,  our 
loss  was  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  killed,  wounded  and  missing.'1 

General  McClernand,  who  accompanied  the  expedition, 
and  was  subsequently  complimented  for  his  valuable  ser- 


44          LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

vices,  in  his  official  report,  after  referring  to  an  important 
disposition  which  had  been  made  of  a  portion  of  the  troops, 
says : 

"  We  again  opened  a  deadly  fire  from  both  infantry  and  artil 
lery,  and  after  a  desperate  resistance  drove  the  enemy  back  a 
tufrd  time,  forcing  them  to  seek  cover  among  thick  woods  and 
brush,  protected  by  the  heavy  guns  at  Columbus. 

"  In  this  struggle,  while  leading  the  charge,  I  received  a- ball 
in  one  of  my  holsters,  which  failed  of  harm  by  striking  a  pistol. 
Here  Colonels  Fouke  and  Logan  urged  on  their  men  by  the  most 
energetic  appeals  ;  here  Captain  Dresser's  horse  was  shot  under 
him,  while  Captain  Schwartz's  horse  was  twice  wounded ;  here 
the  projectiles  from  the  enemy's  heavy  guns  at  Columbus,  and 
their  artillery  at  Belmont  crashed  through  the  woods  over  and 
among  us ;  here,  again,  all  my  staff  who  were  with  me  displayed 
the  greatest  intrepidity  and  activity ;  and  here,  too,  many  of  our 
officers  were  killed  or  wounded ;  nor  shall  I  omit  to  add  that 
this  gallant  conduct  was  stimulated  by  your  presence  and  in 
spired  by  your  example.  Here  your  horse  was  killed  un 
der  you." 

And  yet  amid  all  these  scenes  of  danger  and  carnage 
the"  noble  commander  rode  from  point  to  point,  placing  his 
troops  in  the  most  advisable  positions  and  cheering  them 
on  to  the  assault,  with  as  much  coolness  and  self-possession 
as  if  not  a  single  deadly  missile  was  ploughing  the  earth 
within  a  hundred  miles  of  his  horse's  feet.  And  when 
the  apparent  success  was  suddenly  changed  into  actual 
disaster  he,  by  his  example,  nerved  his  men  to  deeds  which 
have  been  rarely  exceeded  even  in  the  hour  of  victory. 

Returning  to  Cairo,  the  following  order  was  read  to  the 
troops : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  S.  E.  Mo. 
"  CAIRO,  November  8th,  1861. 

"  The  General  commanding  this  military  district  returns  his 
thanks  to  the  troops  under  his  command  at  the  battle  of  Bel 
mont  on  yesterday. 

"  It  has  been  his  fortune  to  have  been  in  all  the  battles 
fought  in  Mexico  by  Generals  Scott  and  Taylor  save  Buena 
Vista,  and  he  never  saw  one  more  hotly  contested  or  where 
troops  behaved  with  more  gallantry. 

"  Such  courage  will  insure  victory  wherever  our  flag  may  be 
borne  and  protected  by  such  a  class  of  men. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          45 

"  To  the  brave  who  fell  the  sympathy  of  the  country  is  due, 
and  will  be  manifested  in  a  manner  unmistakable. 

"  U.  S.  GRANT, 
"Brigadier- General  Commanding.'1 

On  the  same  day,  a  flag  of  truce  was  sent  to  Columbus, 
Ky.,  under  charge  of  Major  Webster,  Chief  of  the  En 
gineer  Corps,  to  make  arrangements  respecting  the 
wounded.  The  following  is  the  correspondence  which 
passed  on  the  occasion  : 

GENERAL  GRANT  TO  GENERAL  POLK. 

"HEAD-QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  S.  E.  MISSOURI, 

"  CAIRO,  November  8th,  1861. 
"General  Commanding  Forces,  Columbus,  Ky.: 

"  SIR  : — In  the  skirmish  of  yesterday,  in  which  both  parties 
behaved  with  so  much  gallantry,  many  unfortunate  men  were 
left  upon  the  field  of  battle  whom  it  was  impossible  to  provide 
for.  I  now  send,  in  the  interest  of  humanity,  to  have  these  un 
fortunates  collected  and  medical  attendance  secured  them. 
Major  Webster,  Chief  of  Engineers,  district  Southeast  Mis 
souri,  goes  bearer  of  this,  and  will  express  to  you  my  views 
upon  the  course  that  should  be  pursued  under  the  circumstances 
such  as  those  of  yesterday. 
"  I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT, 
" Brigadier- General  Commanding.'11 

GENERAL  POLK  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  FIRST  DIVISION,  WESTERN  DEPARTMENT, 

"  COLUMBUS,  KY.,  November  8th,  1861. 
"BRIGADIER-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT,  U.  S.  A.: 

"  I  have  received  your  note  in  regard  to  your  wounded  and 
killed  on  the  battle-field  after  yesterday's  engagement.  The 
lateness  of  the  hour  at  which  iny  troops  returned  to  the  princi 
pal  scene  of  action  prevented  my  bestowing  the  care  upon  your 
wounded  which  I  desired. 

"  Such  attentions  as  were  practicable  were  shown  them,  and 
measures  were  taken  at  an  early  hour  this  morning  to  have  them 
all  brought  into  my  hospitals.  Provision  also  was  made  for 
taking  care  of  your  dead.  The  permission  you  desire  under 
your  flag  of  truce  to  aid  in  attention  to  your  wounded,  is  granted 
with  pleasure,  under  such  restrictions  as  the  exigencies  of  our 
service  may  require.  In  your  note  you  say  nothing  of  an  ex 
change  of  prisoners,  though  you  send  me  a  private  message  as 
to  your  willingness  to  release  certain  wounded  men  and  some 
invalids  taken  from  our  list  of  sick  in  camps,  and  expect  in  re- 


46          LIFE  OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

turn  a  corresponding  number  of  your  wounded  prisoners.  My 
own  feelings  would  prompt  me  to  waive  again  the  unimportant 
affectation  of  declining  to  recognize  these  States  as  belligerents, 
in  the  interests  of  humanity,  but  my  Government  requires  all 
prisoners  to  be  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Secretary  of  War 
I  have  despatched  him  to  know  if  the  case  of  the  severely 
wounded  held  by  me  would  form  an  exception. 
"  I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  obedient  servant, 

"  L.  POLK, 
"Major-General  C.  S.  A." 

ASSUMES    COMMAND    OP    THE    DISTRICT    OF 
CAIRO— IMPORTANT    RECONNOISSANCE. 

On  the  twentieth  of  December,  1861,  General  Grant 
having  been  appointed  by  General  Halleck,  who  bad  been 
placed  in  charge  of  tbe  Department  of  the  Missouri,  to 
take  command  of  tbe  District  of  Cairo,  which  was  at  the 
same  time  greatly  extended,  the  following  order  was 
issued : 

"HEAD-QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  OP  CAIRO, 
"  CAIRO,  December  2Ist,  1861. 

"  In  pursuance  of  Special  Order  No.  78,  from  Head-Quarters, 
Department  of  the  Missouri,  the  name  of  this  Military  District 
will  be  known  as  the  '  District  of  Cairo/  and  will  include  all  the 
southern  part  of  Illinois,  that  part  of  Kentucky  west  of  the 
Cumberland  river,  and  the  southern  counties  of  Missouri,  south 
of  CJape  Girardeau. 

"The  force  at  Shawneetown  will  be  under  the  immediate 
command  of  Colonel  T.  H.  Cavenaugh,  Sixth  Illinois  Cavalry, 
who  will  consolidate  the  reports  of  his  command  weekly,  and 
forward  to  these  head-quarters. 

"  All  troops  that  are,  or  may  be,  stationed  along  the  banks  of 
the  Ohio,  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  east  of  Caledonia,  and  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Cumberland,  will  be  included  in  the  command, 
having  head-quarters  at  Paducah,  Ky. 

"  Brigadier-General  E.  A.  Paine  is  assigned  to  the  command 
of  the  forces  at  Bird's  Point,  Missouri. 

"All  supplies  of  ordnance,  Quarter-Master  and  Commissary 
stores,  will  be  obtained  through  the  chiefs  of  each  of  these  de 
partments,  at  district  head-quarters,  where  not  otherwise  pro 
vided  for. 

"  For  the  information  of  that  portion  of  this  command, 
newly  attached,  the  following  list  of  Staff  Officers  is  published  : 

"  Captain  John  A.  Rawlings,  Assistant  Adjutant-General, 

"  Captain  Clark  B.  Lagow,  Aide-de-Camp. 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.  47 

"  Captain  Wra.  S  Hillyer,  Aide-de-Camp. 

"  Major  John  Riggin,  Jr.,  Volunteer  Aide-de-Camp. 

"Captain  E.  B.  Hatch,  Assistant  Quarter-Master  U.  S, 
Volunteers,  Chief  Quarter-Master. 

"  Captain  W.  W.  Leland,  A.  C.  S.  U.  S.  Volunteers,  Chief 
Commissary. 

1  Captain  W.  F.  Brinck,  Ordnance  Officer. 

'  Surgeon  James  Simons,  U.  S.  A.,  Medical  Director. 

'  Assistant  Surgeon,  J.  P.  Taggert,  U.  S.  A.,  Medical  Pur 
veyor. 

'  Major  I.  N.  Cook,  Pay-Master. 

'  Colonel  J.  D.  Webster,  Chief  of  Staff,  and  Chief  of  En 
gineers. 

"  By  order  :  "  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Brigadier-  General  Commanding." 

At  the  same  time  arrangements  were  made  for  active 
operations  in  the  District,  and  on  the  tenth  of  the  follow 
ing  month,  General  McClernand  with  about  five  thousand 
men,  and  under  the  convoy  of  the  gunboats  Essex  and 
St.  Louis,  left  Cairo  and  steamed  down  the  Mississippi. 
They  were  supplied  with  five  days  cooked  rations,  and 
landed  on  the  Kentucky  shore  about  eight  miles  below 
Cairo.  On  the  next  morning,  three  rebel  gunboats  attacked 
the  two  Union  steamers,  but  after  an  engagement  of  an 
hour  were  compelled  to  retire  behind  their  batteries  at 
Columbus. 

On  the  same  day,  General  Grant  issued  the  following 
order  to  General  Paine  commanding  at  Bird's  Point : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  CAIRO,  January  llth,  1862. 
"  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  PAINE,  Bird's  Point : 

"  I  understand  that  four  of  our  pickets  were  shot  this  morning. 
If  this  is  so,  and  appearances  indicate  that  the  assassins  were 
citizens,  not  regularly  organized  in  the  rebel  army,  the  whole 
country  should  be  cleared  out  for  six  miles  around,  and  word 
given  that  all  citizens,  making  their  appearance  within  those 
limits,  are  liable  to  be  shot. 

"  To  execute  this,  patrols  should  be  sent  out  in  all  directions, 
and  bring  into  camp,  at  Bird's  Point,  all  citizens,  together  with 
their  subsistence,  and  require  them  to  remain,  under  penalty  of 
death  and  destruction  of  their  property,  until  properly  relieved. 

"Let  no  harm  befall  these  people,  if  they  quietly  submit, 


48          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

but  bri-ng  them  in  and  place  them  in  camp  below  the  breastwork. 
and  have  them  properly  guarded. 

"  The  intention  is  not  to  make  political  prisoners  of  these 
people,  but  to  cut  off  a  dangerous  class  of  spies. 

"  This  applies  to  all  classes  and  conditions,  age  and  sex.  If, 
however,  women  and  children  prefer  other  protection  than  we 
can  afford  them,  they  may  be  allowed  to  retire  beyond  the  limits 
indicated — not  to  return  until  authorized. 

"  By  order  of  "  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Brigadier- General  Commanding." 

On  the  thirteenth  of  January,  1862,  General  Grant  hav 
ing  perfected  all  his  plans,  issued  an  order  to  his  troops  to 
the  following  effect : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  OF  CAIRO, 
"  CAIRO,  January  13tfi,  1862, 

"  During  the  absence  of  the  expedition,  now  starting  upon  soil 
occupied  almost  solely  by  the  rebel  army,  and  when  it  is  a  fair 
inference  that  every  stranger  met  is  an  enemy,  the  following 
orders  will  be  observed  : 

"  Troops,  on  marching,  will  be  kept  in  the  ranks  :  company 
officers  being  held  strictly  accountable  for  all  stragglers  from 
their  companies.  No  firing  will  be  allowed  in  camp  or  on  the 
march,  not  strictly  required  in  the  performance  of  duty.  While 
in  camp,  no  privilege  will  be  granted  to  officers  or  soldiers  to 
leave  their  regimental  grounds,  and  all  violations  of  this  order 
must  be  promptly  and  summarily  punished. 

"  Disgrace  having  been  brought  upon  our  brave  fellows  by  the 
bad  conduct  of  some  of  their  members,  showing  on  all  occasions, 
when  marching  through  territory  occupied  by  sympathizers  of 
the  enemy,  a  total  disregard  of  the  rights  of  citizens,  and  being 
guilty  of  wanton  destruction  of  private  property,  the  general  com 
manding  desires  and  intends  to  enforce  a  change  in  this  respect. 

"  The  interpreting  of  confiscation  acts  by  troops  themselves 
has  a  demoralizing  effect — weakens  them  in  exact  proportion  to 
the  demoralization,  and  makes  open  and  armed  enemies  of  many 
who,  from  opposite  treatment,  would  become  friends,  or,  at  the 
most,  non-combatants. 

"It  is  ordered,  therefore,  that  the  severest  punishment  be 
inflicted  upon  every  soldier  who  is  guilty  of  taking,  or  destroying, 
private  property  ;  and  any  commissioned  officer,  guilty  of  like 
conduct,  or  of  countenancing  it,  shall  be  deprived  of  his  sword 
and  expelled  from  the  camp,  not  to  be  permitted  to  return, 

"  On  the  march,  cavalry  advance  guards  will  be  thrown  out, 
also  flank  guards  of  cavalry  or  infantry,  when  practicable.  A 
rear-guard  of  infantry  will  be  required  to  see  that  no  teams, 
baggage,  or  disabled  soldiers  are  left  behind.  It  will  be  the 
duty  of  company  commanders  to  see  that  rolls  of  their  company 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.  49 

are  called  immediately  upon  going  into  camp  each  day,  and 
every  member  accounted  for. 

"  By  order  :  "  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Brigadier- General  Commanding.'11 

On  the  following  morning,  General  McClernand's  forces 
moved  from  their  encampment  in  the  direction  of  Bland- 
ville,  Kentucky  ;  General  Paine  moved  from  Bird's  Point, 
and  General  C.  F.  Smith  also  took  up  the  line  of  march. 
The  three  columns  consisted  in  the  aggregate  of  four 
regiments  and  two  companies  of  cavalry,  nineteen  regi 
ments  of  infantry,  and  seven  batteries  of  artillery,  and 
were  commanded  by  able  and  experienced  officers,  who 
with  their  men  had  implicit  confidence  in  the  superior  skill 
and  wisdom  of  their  commander,  who  personally  superin 
tended  every  movement  of  his  troops.  The  advance 
however  was  not  intended,  as  was  generally  supposed,  for 
an  aggressive  movement,  but  merely  as  a  reconnoissance  for 
the  purpose  of  ascertaining  the  exact  position  and  numbers 
of  the  enemy,  and  having,  after  a  long  march  in  the  most 
inclement  weather,  accomplished  all  the  desired  objects, 
the  command  after  about  a  week's  absence  returned  to  their 
former  posts. 

PREPARING    FOR    AN    ADVANCE— THE    CAP 
TURE    OP    FORT    HENRY. 

On  the  twentieth  of  January,1862,  General  Grant,  for  the 
purpose  of  supplying  the  gunboats  which  had  been  built 
on  the  Western  waters  with  sailors,  instructed  the  com 
manders  of  regiments  in  his  district  to  report  the  number 
of  river  and  seafaring  men  in  their  ranks  who  would 
accept  transfer  for  service  on  the  water,  such  volunteers 
to  be  discharged  at  the  end  of  one  year ;  and  on  the  first 
of  February  the  following  was  announced  : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  OF  CAIRO, 

"  CAIRO,  February  1st,  1862. 

"For  temporary  government,  the  forces  of  this  military  dis 
trict  will  be  divided  and  commanded  as  follows,  to  wit : 


50          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

"  The  First  Brigade  will  consist  of  the  Eighth,  Eighteenth, 
Twenty-seventh,  Twenty-ninth,  Thirtieth,  and  Thirty-first  "Regi 
ments  of  Illinois  Volunteers,  Schwartz's  and  Dresser's  batteries, 
and  Stewart's,  Dollin's,  O'Harnett's,  and  Carmichael's  cavalry,,' 
«  Colonel  B.  J.  Oglesby,  senior  colonel  of  the  brigade,  com 
manding. 

"  The  Second  Brigade  will  consist  of  the  Eleventh,  Twentieth, 
Forty-fifth,  and  Forty-eighth  Illinois  infantry,  Fourth  Illinois 
cavalry,  Taylor's  and  McAllister's  artillery.  (The  latter  with 
four  siege-guns.)  Colonel  W.  H.  L.  Wallace  commanding. 

"The  First  and  Second  Brigades  will  constitute  the  First 
Division  of  the  District  of  Cairo,  and  will  be  commanded  by 
Brigadier-General  John  A.  McClernand. 

"  The  Third  Brigade  will  consist  of  the  Eighth  Wisconsin, 
Forty-ninth  Illinois,  Twenty-fifth  Indiana,  four  companies  of 
artillery,  and  such  troops  as  are  yet  to  arrive.  Brigadier-General 
E.  A.  Paine  commanding. 

"  The  Fourth  Brigade  will  be  composed  of  the  Tenth,  Six 
teenth,  Twenty-second,  and  Thirty-third  Illinois,  and  the  Tenth 
Iowa  infantry;  Houtaling's  battery  of  Light  Artillery,  four 
companies  of  the  Seventh  and  two  companies  of  the  First 
Illinois  cavalry.  Colonel  Morgan  commanding. 

"General  E.  A.  Paine  is  assigned  to  the  command  of  Cairo 
and  Mound  City,  and  Colonel  Morgan  to  the  command  at  Bird's 
Point. 
"By  order  of  "U.  S.  GRANT, 

' ' Brigadier-  General  Commanding. 
"  JOHN  A.  EAWLINS,  A.  A.  G" 

These  troops  did  not  include  those  under  the  command 
of  Generals  Lewis  Wallace  and  C.  F.  Smith,  then  pre 
paring  for  service  at  Smithland  and  Paducah.  Having 
secured  his  rear  from  surprise,  he  started  with  the  first 
division  of  the  district  of  Cairo  under  General  McCler 
nand  on  an  expedition  against  Fort  Henry  on  the  Ten 
nessee  river,  near  the  boundary-line  between  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee.  Arriving  near  that  work,  he  on  the  fifth  of 
February,  1862,  issued  his  orders  prescribing  the  mode  of 
attack.  The  gunboats,  seven  in  number,  had  also  arrived, 
and  three  of  them  were  ordered  by  General  Grant  to  proceed 
cautiously  towards  the  fort,  shelling  the  woods  on  either 
bank  to  ascertain  if  any  hidden  batteries  had  been  erected. 
The  transports  followed,  and  the  troops  were  landed  at  a 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          51 

convenient  point  about  four  miles  from  the  fort.  A  judi 
cious  arrangement  was  made  that  night  of  the  camp-fires 
for  the  purpose  of  deceiving  the  enemy  as  to  the  strength 
of  the  force  they  would  be  called  upon  on  the  next  morn 
ing  to  encounter,  and  it  was  doubtless  owing  in  a  great 
measure  to  the  impression  thus  created  that  the  rebels 
made  such  a  hasty  flight  after  the  surrender. 

Towards  noon  of  tke  sixth,  the  troops  commenced  their 
advance  upon  the  work,  but  before  they  could  reach  it  the 
gunboats  had  opened  their  fire,  and  after  an  engagement 
of  little  more  than  an  hour  compelled  the  enemy  to  lower 
his  colors  and  surrender  to  Flag-Officer  Foote,  who  soon 
afterwards  handed  over  the  captured  fortification  with  its 
garrison,  including  General  Lloyd  Tilghman,  and  its  guns,  to 
General  Grant.  The  rebel  commander  in  his  official  report 
of  the  surrender  acknowledged  the  courtesies  and  consid 
eration  shown  by  General  Grant,  and  Commander  Foote, 
and  the  officers  under  their  command  ;  and  on  the  fifteenth 
of  February  the  President  of  the  United  States  officially 
returned  thanks  to  General  Grant  and  Flag-Officer  Foote 
for  their  gallant  achievements  at  Fort  Henry. 

THE  BATTLE  AND  CAPTURE  OF  FORT 
DONELSON. 

General  Grant's  plans  did  not  permit  him  to  tarry  after 
the  reduction  of  Fort  Henry,  and  sending  back  to  Cairo 
for  reinforcements  he  prepared  for  further  aggressive  move 
ments. 

On  the  eleventh  of  February  he  issued  an  order  for  the 
advance  of  the  troops  in  the  direction  of  Fort  Donelson, 
a  formidable  work  on  the  Cumberland  river,  and  the  army 
under  Generals  McClernand,  C.  F.  Smith,  and  Lew  Wal 
lace,  having  taken  up  the  line  of  march,  their  commander 
followed  on  the  twelfth.  At  noon  on  that  day,  the  troops 
moving  in  two  columns,  the  advance  of  General  McCler- 


52  LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

nand's  command  drove  in  the  enemy's  pickets,  and  from 
that  time  until  dark,  while  the  various  assigned  positions 
were  being  occupied,  there  was  occasional  skirmishing. 
But  little  was  done  on  the  thirteenth  on  account  of  the 
non-arrival  of  the  reinforcements  and  of  the  gunboats 
which  were  to  take  part  in  the  assault.  The  Carondelet, 
however,  on  that  day  attacked  the  fort  and  continued  her 
fire  for  about  two  hours,  but  was  then  compelled  to  with 
draw  to  repair  damages.  At  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
of  the  fourteenth,  the  expected  gunboats  and  reinforcements 
having  arrived,  six  of  the  arrived  vessels  moved  up  the 
river,  receiving  the  fire  of  the  lower  batteries  of  the  enemy. 

At  seven  minutes  to  three,  the  St.  Louis  opened  her  fire, 
which  was  kept  up  with  great  spirit  during  an  hour  and  a 
half.  The  iron-clad  boats  took  a  position  within  three 
hundred  yards  of  the  batteries,  silenced  the  water-battery, 
and  drove  its  gunners  from  their  posts ;  but  the  enemy's 
shot  having  entered  the  pilot-house  of  the  St.  Louis  and 
shattered  her  wheel,  and  the  other  vessels  having  also  suf 
fered  severely,  Flag-Officer  Foote  ordered  the  squadron  to 
drop  down  the  river,  and  the  action  ceased. 

Soon  after  daybreak,  on  the  morning  of  the  fifteenth,  the 
extreme  right  of  the  Union  line,  near  the  river,  below  the 
Fort,  was  attacked  by  a  heavy  body  of  the  enemy's  forces. 
The  Eighth  and  Forty-first  Illinois  regiments  first  received 
the  shock ;  and  they  maintained  their  position  with  great 
coolness,  until  reinforcements  joined  the  assailants,  when 
two  of  our  batteries  were  also  attacked  and  captured. 
The  Eighteenth,  Twenty-ninth,  Thirtieth,  and  Thirty-first 
Illinois,  were  quickly  moved  to  the  support  of  their  as 
sociates  ;  and  after  a  desperate  struggle,  in  which  both 
sides  displayed  great  daring,  all  but  three  of  the  pieces  of 
the  captured  batteries  were  recovered  by  our  troops.  Ai 
length,  overpowered  by  numbers  and  without  ammunition, 
they  were  compelled  to  fall  back ;  and  the  enemy,  with 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GKANT.          53 

cheers,  pressed  forward  and  outflanked  them  on  the  right, 
when  four  Union  regiments,  under  Colonel  Cruft,  were 
brought  up.  An  unfortunate  mistake,  on  the  part  of  this 
reinforcement,  led  one  regiment  to  pour  a  volley  into  the 
ranks  of  another,  causing  terrible  loss,  and  increasing  the 
confusion,  of  which  the  enemy  promptly  availed  himself 
by  pressing  forward  with  greater  energy  than  before. 

A  few  minutes  later,  Colonel  Wallace's  brigade  came 
up,  but  so  completely  had  the  enemy  brought  up  his 
forces,  that  they  were  compelled  to  fall  back  with  heavy 
loss  ;  notwithstanding,  in  another  part  of  the  line,  another 
strong  body  of  the  enemy  was  driven  back. 

General  Grant  saw  the  emergency,  and  he  hastened  to 
meet  it.  General  Smith  was  ordered  to  make  a  strong 
assault  on  the  left  of  the  line,  and  to  carry  the  position  at 
all  hazards  ;  while  preparations  were  also  made  to  renew 
the  operations  on  the  right,  with  a  view  to  recover,  the 
position  which  had  been  lost  in  the  morning. 

General  Smith  immediately  ordered  the  Third  brigade 
of  his  division — embracing  the  Seventh,  Fiftieth,  and 
Fifty-second  Illinois,  the  Twelfth  Iowa,  and  Thirteenth 
Missouri  regiments — to  move  against  one  portion  of  the 
enemy's  lines ;  while,  with  the  Fourth  brigade — embra 
cing  the  Second,  Seventh,  and  Fourteenth  Iowa,  and  the 
Twenty-fifth  Indiana  regiments — he,  in  person,  dashed 
against  another  part  of  the  works. 

The  Second  Iowa  regiment  led  the  advance,  followed 
by  the  Fifty-second  Indiana,  and  the  other  regiments  of 
the  brigade,  while  the  sharpshooters  were  deployed  on 
either  flank  as  skirmishers.  The  column  moved  forward 
without  firing  a  gun,  and  charged  into  the  work,  driving 
the  enemy  before  it  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  and  oc 
cupying  the  position. 

The  successful  result  of  this  desperate  struggle  inspired 
the  troops,  and  in  every  portion  of  the  line  the  wildest 
enthusiasm  prevailed. 


54          LIFE  OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Soon  afterwards  Colonel  Smith,  commanding  the  Fifth 
brigade,  moved  the  Eighth  Missouri  and  Eleventh  In 
diana  regiments  against  the  position,  on  the  extreme  right 
of  the  line,  from  which  the  Union  troops  had  been  driven, 
at  an  earlier  hour  of  the  day  ;  and  part  of  the  First  brigade, 
commanded  by  Colonel  Cruft,  was  moved  to  his  support. 
The  assault  was  made  in  two  columns ;  the  hill  was  car 
ried  by  storm  ;  and  the  enemy  was  driven  into  his  works. 

No  further  movements  were  made  during  the  fifteenth  ; 
both  armies  occupying  their  respective  positions  and  pre 
paring  for  a  renewal  of  the  engagement  on  the  morning 
of  the  sixteenth.  At  daybreak,  however,  the  enemy  dis 
played  a  white  flag,  and  proposals  for  a  surrender  were 
tendered  and  accepted. 

The  following  are  copies  of  the  documents  which  passed 
between  the  two  commanding-generals  previous  to  the 
acceptance  of  the  surrender  : 

GENERAL  BUCKNER  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

"HEAD-QUARTERS,  FORT  DoNELSON,  Feb.  16th,  1862. 

«  gIR  : — In  consideration  of  all  the  circumstances  governing 
the  present  situation  of  affairs  at  this  station,  I  propose  to  the 
commanding  officer  of  the  Federal  forces  the  appointment  of 
commissioners  to  agree  upon  terms  of  capitulation  of  the  forces 
and  fort  under  my  command,  and  in  that  view  suggest  an  armis 
tice  until  twelve  o'clock  to-day. 

"  I  am  sir  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"S.  B.  BUCKNER, 
"Brigadier-General,  G.  S.  A. 

"  To  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  GRANT,  commanding  United  States 
forces  near  Fort  Douelson." 

GENERAL  GRANT  TO  GENERAL  BUCKNER. 

•    General  Grant  replied  as  follows  : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  ARMY  IN  THE  FIELD, 
"  CAMP  NEAR  DONELSON,  Feb.  IGth,  1862. 
"To  GENERAL  S.  B.  BUCKNER,  Confederate  Army: 

"  Yours  of  this  date,  proposing  an  armistice  and  appointment 
of  commissioners  to  settle  terms  of  capitulation,  is  just  received. 
No  terms  other  than  an  unconditional  and  immediate  surrender 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          55 

can  be  accepted.    I  propose  to  move  immediately  upon  your 
works. 

"I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"U.  S.  GRANT, 
"Brigadier-General,  U.  S.  A.,  Commanding" 

GENERAL  BUCKNER  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

The  determined  answer  of  General  Grant  convinced  the 
rebel  commander  that  his  opponent  was  not  a  man  with 
whom  he  could  trifle,  and  he  immediately  penned  the  fol 
lowing  reply : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DOVER,  TENN.,  Feb.  16th,  1862. 
"  To  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT,  U.  S.  A. : 

"  SIR  : — The  distribution  of  the  forces  under  my  command, 
incident  to  an  unexpected  change  of  commanders,  and  the  over 
whelming1  force  under  your  command,  compel  me,  notwithstand 
ing  the  brilliant  success  of  the  Confederate  arms  yesterday,  to  ac 
cept  the  ungenerous  and  unchivalrous  terms  which  you  propose. 
"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  obedient  servant, 

"  S.  B.  BUCKNER, 
"Brigadier-General,  G.  S.  A" 

The  battle  of  Fort  Donelson  was  one  of  the  most  des 
perate  character,  but  throughout  the  bloody  conflict  not  a 
man  in  the  Union  ranks  had  a  doubt  as  to  the  glorious 
result  which  would  ultimately  attend  their  efforts.  "  Even 
the  sight  of  the  savage  wounds,"  says  a  participant,  "  or 
the  still  more  sickening  one  of  the  ghastly  faces  of  the 
dead,  seemed  to  have  no  effect  upon  our  men.  It  did  not 
unnerve  or  unman  them.  They  fought  on  just  as  tran 
quilly  as  though  the  hideous  angel  of  death  had  been  a 
thousand  leagues  away.  When  a  man  was  wounded  his 
comrades  would  help  him  to  the  rear,  and  then  return 
instantly  to  their  position,  and  resume  their  fighting  as  if 
nothing  had  happened."  Our  loss  during  the  engagement 
was  four  hundred  and  forty-six  killed,  seventeen  hundred 
and  thirty-five  wounded,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  pris 
oners;  while  that  of  the  rebels  was  two  hundred  and 
thirty-one  killed,  one  thousand  and  seven  wounded,  and 


56          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

nearly  fourteen  thousand  prisoners,  including  General 
Buckner.  They  also  lost  forty-eight  field-pieces,  twenty 
thousand  stand  of  arms,  seventeen  heavy  guns,  three 
thousand  horses  and  a  large  quantity  of  commissary  stores. 
On  the  day  after  the  surrender,  the  number  of  prisoners 
was  increased  by  the  capture  of  two  Tennessee  regiments, 
which  were  allowed  to  march  into  the  fort  ignorant  of  the 
capitulation,  with  their  colors  flying  and  bands  playing. 
This  brilliant  victory  was  attended  with  the  most  glorious 
results  to  the  cause  of  the  Union,  and  town  after  town, 
with  the  defensive  works  surrounding  each,  was  evacuated, 
occupation  being  no  longer  possible  after  the  fall  of  Forts 
Henry  and  Donelson  ;  and  the  flag  of  freedom  once  more 
floated  in  parts  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  where  for 
many  months  it  had  been  supplanted  by  the  emblem  of 
tyranny  and  oppression. 

HE    IS    APPOINTED    MAJOR-GENERAL    OF 
VOLUNTEERS. 

As  a  reward  for  the  skilful  manner  in  which  he  had 
performed  the  duties  of  this  brief  but  successful  campaign, 
General  Grant  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Major-General 
of  Volunteers,  to  date  from  the  sixteenth  of  February,  1862, 
the  day  of  the  surrender  of  Fort  Donelson. 

HE  TAKES  COMMAND  OF  THE  DISTRICT  OF 
WEST  TENNESSEE  — ISSUES  A  CONGRATU 
LATORY  ORDER. 

On  the  fourteenth  of  February,  1862,  General  Halleck 
issued  an  order  creating  the  new  district  of  West  Ten 
nessee,  embracing  the  country  between  the  Tennessee  and 
Mississippi  rivers  to  the  Mississippi  State-line,  and  Cairo  ; 
and  on  the  seventeenth  its  commanding  general  thus  con 
gratulated  his  troops : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  OP  WEST  TENNESSEE, 

"  FORT  DONELSON,  February  llth,  1862. 
"  The  general  commanding  takes  great  pleasure  in  congratu- 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          57 

lating  the  troops  of  this  command  for  the  triumph  over  rebellion, 
gained  by  their  valor,  on.  the  thirteenth,  fourteenth,  and  fifteenth 
instant. 

"  For  four  successive  nights,  without  shelter,  during  the  most 
inclement  weather  known  in  this  latitude,  they  faced  an  enemy  in 
large  force,  in  a  position  chosen  by  himself.  Though  strongly  forti 
fied  by  nature,  all  the  additional  safeguards  suggested  by  science 
were  added.  Without  a  murmur  this  was  borne,  prepared  at 
all  times  to  receive  an  attack,  and,  with  continuous  skirmishing 
by  day,  resulting  ultimately  in  forcing  the  enemy  to  surrender 
without  conditions. 

"  The  victory  achieved  is  not  only  great  in  the  effect  it  will 
have  in  breaking  down  rebellion,  but  has  secured  the  greatest 
number  of  prisoners  of  war  ever  taken  in  any  battle  on  this 
continent. 

"  Fort  Donelson  will  hereafter  be  marked  in  capitals  on  the 
map  of  our  United  Country,  and  the  men  who  fought  the  battle 
will  live  in  the  memory  of  a  grateful  people. 

"  By  order  :  «  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Brigadier-  General  Commanding." 

MILITARY  RESTRICTIONS  IN  TENNESSEE, 
By  the  middle  of  February,  the  forces  of  General  Grant 
were  again  advancing  into  the  rebel  territory.  The  courts 
of  Tennessee  were  ordered  to  be  closed,  and  martial  law 
was  declared  extended  over  the  western  part  of  the  State, 
but  at  the  same  time  it  was  declared  that  whenever  a 
number  of  citizens  should  return  to  their  allegiance,  suffi 
cient  to  maintain  law  and  order,  the  military  restriction 
would  be  removed. 

On  the  twenty-third  of  February,  1862,  the  following 
order  was  published  : 

"HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  MISSOURI, 
"  ST.  Louis,  February  23d,  1862." 

"  The  major-general  commanding  this  department  desires  to 
impress  upon  all  officers  the  importance  of  preserving  good 
order  and  discipline  among  these  troops  and  the  armies  of  the 
West,  during  their  advance  into  Tennessee  and  the  Southern 
States. 

"Let  us  show  to  our  fellow-citizens  of  these  States,  that  we 
come  merely  to  crush  out  this  rebellion,  and  to  restore  to  them 
peace  and  the  benefits  of  the  Constitution  and  the  Union,  of 
which  they  have  been  deprived  by  selfish  and  unprincipled 


58          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

leaders.  They  have  been  told  that  we  come  to  oppress  and 
plunder.  By  our  acts  we  will  undeceive  them.  We  will  prove 
to  them  that  we  come  to  restore,  not  violate,  the  Constitution 
and  the  laws.  In  restoring  to  them  the  glorious  flag  of  the 
Union,  we  will  assure  them  that  they  shall  enjoy,  under  its  folds, 
the  same  protection  of  life  and  property  as  in  former  days. 

" '  Soldiers  !  Let  no  excesses  on  your  part  tarnish  the  glory  of 
pur  arms  !'  The  orders  heretofore  issued  from  this  department 
in  regard  to  pillaging,  marauding,  and  the  destruction  of  private 
property,  and  the  stealing  and  concealment  of  slaves,  must  be 
strictly  enforced.  It  does  not  belong  to  the  military  to  decide 
upon  the  relation  of  master  and  slave.  Such  questions  must  be 
settled  by  the  civil  courts.  No  fugitive  slave  will,  therefore,  be 
admitted  within  our  lines  or  camps,  except  when  especially 
ordered  by  the  general  commanding.  Women  and  children, 
merchants,  farmers,  and  all  persons  not  in  arms,  are  to  be 
regarded  as  non-combatants,  and  are  not  to  be  molested,  either 
in  their  persons  or  property.  If,  however,  they  assist  and  aid  the 
enemy,  they  become  belligerents,  and  will  be  treated  as  such. 
As  they  violate  the  laws  of  war,  they  will  be  made  to  suffer  the 
penalties  of  such  violation. 

"  Military  stores  and  public  property  of  the  enemy  must  be 
surrendered  ;  and  any  attempt  to  conceal  such  property  by 
fraudulent  transfer  or  otherwise  will  be  punished.  But  no 
private  proverty  will  be  touched,  unless  by  order  of  the  general 
commanding. 

"Whenever  it  becomes  necessary,  forced  contributions  for 
supplies  and  subsistence  for  our  troops  will  be  made.  Such 
levies  will  be  made  as  light  as  possible,  and  be  so  distributed  as 
to  produce  no  distress  among  the  people.  All  property  so  taken 
must  be  receipted  fully  and  accepted  for  as  heretofore  directed. 

"  These  orders  will  be  read  at  the  head  of  every  regiment,  and 
all  officers  are  commanded  strictly  to  enforce  them. 

"  By  command  of  "Major- General  HALLECK. 

"  W.  H.  MCLEAN,  Adjutant-General. 

"  By  order  of  "Major-General  U.  S.  GRANT. 

"J.  A.  BAWLTNS,  A.  A.  G.» 

GENERAL    GRANT  AT    PORT    HENRY— A   TES 
TIMONIAL    OP    REGARD. 

After  the  occupation  of  Nashville  in  the  latter  part  of 
February,  1862,  General  Grant  removed  his  head-quarters 
to  Fort  Henry,  where  for  some  time  he  was  engaged  in 
organizing  and  fitting  out  important  expeditions,  his  place 
in  the  field  being  assumed  during  that  period  by  General 
C.  F.  Smith. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.  59 

On  the  eleventh  of  March,  1862,  General  Grant  received 
one  of  the  testimonials  of  regard  of  which  he  has  been  upon 
frequent  occasions  the  worthy  recipient,  the  officers  at 
Fort  Henry  having  on  that  day  presented  him  with  a 
costly  sword,  the  blade  of  which  was  of  the  finest  steel 
and  the  handle  of  ivory  mounted  with  gold. 

THE    BATTLE    OP    PITTSBURG    LANDING. 

Two  days  later,  General  Halleck  assumed  command  of 
the  Department  of  the  Mississippi,  a  large  and  important 
district  of  which  was  intrusted  to  the  charge  of  General 
Grant.  Important  reconnoissances  were  immediately  made, 
and  an  advance  subsequently  commenced  towards  Corinth, 
Mississippi,  which  had  been  strongly  fortified  by  the  rebels. 
As  the  Union  troops  advanced  they  encamped  at  Savannah 
and  Pittsburg  Landing,  and  other  accessible  points,  until 
at  length  the  entire  army  had  concentrated  ready  for 
battle.  The  Union  forces  consisted  of  five  divisions,  or 
ganized  as  follows  : 

MAJOR-GENERAL  GRANT,  COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. 

First  Division,  MAJOR-GENERAL  MCCLERNAND. 

Second  Division,  BRIGADIER- GENERAL  W.  H.  L.  WAL 
LACE. 

Third  Division,  MAJOR- GENERAL  LEWIS  WALLACE. 

Fourth  Division,  BRIGADIER- GENERAL  HURLBUT. 

Fifth  Division,  BRIGADIER- GENERAL  W.  T.  SHERMAN. 

The  rebel  army  was  divided  into  three  corps,  and  was 
mustered  under  the  following  leaders  : 

GENERAL  A.  S.  JOHNSTON,  Commanding  General. 

GENERAL  P.  G.  T.  BEAUREGARD,  Second  in  Command. 

First  Army  Corps,  LIEUT.  GENERAL  L.  POLK. 

Second  Army  Corps,  LIEUT.  GENERAL  BRAXTON  BRAGG. 

Third  Army  Corps,  LIEUT.  GENERAL  W.  T.  HARDEE. 

Reserves,  MAJOR-GENERAL  G.  B.  CRITTENDEN. 

On  the  evening  of  April  second,  1862,  the  videttes  of  tb 


60  LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES     S.   GRANT. 

Third  Division,  stationed  at  Crump's  Landing,  were  driven 
in  and  a  brisk  skirmish  ensued,  arid  on  the  evening  of  the 
fourth,  another  attack  was  made  by  two  rebel  regiments, 
but  after  an  exchange  of  volleys  they  were  compelled  to 
retreat.  The  fifth  of  April  had  been  set  apart  by  the 
rebel  commander  for  the  day  of  attack,  but  in  consequence 
of  the  failure  of  reinforcements  under  command  of  Price 
and  Van  Dorn  to  arrive  as  expected,  they  resolved  to  wait 
another  day.  Their  object  was  to  attack  the  Union  army 
before  it  could  be  strengthened  by  the  forces  under  General 
Buell,  which  were  then  advancing  from  Nashville,  and  at 
an  early  hour  on  Sunday  morning  our  pickets  were  attacked 
and  driven  in.  Of  the  protracted  and  sanguinary  battle 
which  followed,  an  eye-witness  gives  the  following  interest 
ing  account : 

"  PITTSBURG  LANDING,  VIA  FORT  HENRY, 
"April  $th,  1862,  3.20  A.M. 

"  One  of  the  greatest  and  bloodiest  battles  of  modern  days 
has  just  closed,  resulting  in  the  complete  route  of  the  enemy, 
who  attacked  us  at  daybreak,  Sunday  morning,  April  6th. 

"  The  battle  lasted,  without  intermission,  during  the  entire 
day,  and  was  again  renewed  on  Monday  morning,  and  continued 
undecided  until  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  enemy 
commenced  their  retreat,  and  are  still  flying  towards  Corinth, 
pursued  by  a  large  force  of  our  cavalry. 

"  The  slaughter  on  both  sides  is  immense.  We  have  lost  in 
killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  from  eighteen  to  twenty  thou 
sand  ;  that  of  the  enemy  is  estimated  at  from  thirty-five  to  forty 
thousand. 

"  It  is  impossible,  in  the  present  confused  state  of  affairs,  to 
ascertain  any  of  the  details ;  I,  therefore,  give  you  the  best  ac 
count  possible  from  observation,  having  passed  through  the 
storm  of  action  during  the  two  days  that  it  raged. 

"  The  fight  was  brought  on  by  a  body  of  three  hundred  of  the 
Twenty-fifth  Missouri  regiment,  of  General  Prentiss's  Division, 
attacking  the  advance  guard  of  the  rebels,  which  were  sup 
posed  to  be  the  pickets  of  the  enemy  in  front  of  our  camps. 

"The  rebels  immediately  advanced  on  General  Prentiss's 
Division  on  the  left  wing,  pouring  volley  after  volley  of  mus 
ketry,  and  riddling  our  camps  with  grape,  canister,  and  shell. 
Our  forces  soon  formed  into  line  and  returned  their  fire  vigor 
ously.  By  the  timo  we  were  prepared  to  receive  them,  the 


LIFE   OF  GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          61 

rebels  had  turned  their  heaviest  fire  on  the  left  centre,  Sher 
man's  Division,  and  drove  our  men  back  from  their  camps  ;  then, 
bringing  up  a  fresh  force,  opened  fire  on  our  left  wing,  under 
General  McClernand.  This  fire  was  returned  with  terrible 
effect  and  determined  spirit  by  both  infantry  and  artillery,  along 
the  whole  line,  for  a  distance  of  over  four  miles. 

'  General  Hurlbut's  division  was  thrown  forward  to  support 
the  centre,  when  a  desperate  conflict  ensued.  The  rebels  were 
driven  back  with  terrible  slaughter,  but  soon  rallied  and  drove 
back  our  men  in  turn.  From  about  nine  o'clock,  the  time  your 
correspondent  arrived  on  the  field,  until  night  closed  on  the 
bloody  scene,  there  was  no  determination  of  the  result  of 
the  struggle.  The  rebels  exhibited  remarkably  good  general 
ship.  At  times  engaging  the  left,  with  apparently  their  whole 
strength,  they  would  suddenly  open  a  terrible  and  destructive 
fire  on  the  right  or  centre.  Even  our  heaviest  and  most  de 
structive  fire  upon  the  enemy  did  not  appear  to  discourage  their 
solid  columns.  The  fire  of  Major  Taylor's  Chicago  artillery 
raked  them  down  in  scores,  but  the  smoke  would  no  sooner 
be  dispersed  than  the  breach  would  again  be  filled. 

"  The  most  desperate  fighting  took  place  late  in  the  afternoon. 
The  rebels  knew  that,  if  they  did  not  succeed  in  whipping  us 
then,  their  chances  for  success  would  be  extremely  doubtful,  as 
a  portion  of  General  Buell's  forces  had  by  this  time  arrived  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  another  portion  was  coming 
up  the  river  from  Savannah.  They  became  aware  that  we  were 
being  reinforced,  as  they  could  see  General  Buell's  troops  from 
the  river  bank,  a  short  distance  above  us  on  the  left,  to  which 
point  they  had  forced  their  way. 

"At  five  o'clock  the  rebels  had  forced  our  left  wing  back  so  as 
to  occupy  fully  two-thirds  of  our  camp,  and  were  fighting  their 
way  forward  with  a  desperate  degree  of  confidence  in  their  ef 
forts  to  drive  us  into  the  river,  and  at  the  same  time  heavily  en 
gaged  our  right. 

"  Up  to  this  time  we  had  received  no  reinforcements,  General 
Lewis  Wallace  failing  to  come  to  our  support  until  the  day  was 
over.  Being  without  other  transports  than  those  used  for  quar 
termaster's  and  commissary  stores,  which  were  too  heavily  laden 
to  ferry  any  considerable  number  of  General  Buell's  forces  across 
the  river,  and  the  boats  that  were  here  having  been  sent  to  bring 
up  the  troops  from  Savannah,  we  could  not  even  get  those  men 
to  us  who  were  so  near,  and  anxiously  waiting  to  take  part  in 
the  struggle.  We  were,  therefore,  contesting  against  fearful 
odds,  our  force  not  exceeding  thirty-eight  thousand  men,  while 
that  of  the  enemy  was  upwards  of  sixty  thousand. 

"  Our  condition  at  this  moment  was  extremely  critical.  Large 
numbers  of  men  panic  struck,  others  worn  out  by  hard  fighting, 
with  the  average  percentage  of  skulkers,  had  straggled  towards 
the  river,  and  could  not  be  rallied. 


62  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

"  General  Grant  and  staff,  who  had  been  recklessly  riding 
along  the  lines  during  the  entire  day,  amid  the  unceasing  storm 
of  bullets,  grape,  and  shell,  now  rode  from  right  to  left,  inciting 
the  men  to  stand  firm  until  our  reinforcements  could  cross  the 
river. 

"  Colonel  Webster,  Chief  of  Staff,  immediately  got  into  posi 
tion  the  heaviest  pieces  of  artillery,  pointing  on  the  enemy's 
right,  while  a  large  number  of  the  batteries  were  planted  along 
the  entire  line,  from  the  river  bank  northwest  to  our  extremj 
right,  some  two  and  a  half  miles  distant.  About  an  hour  before 
dusk,  a  general  cannonading  was  opened  upon  the  enemy  from 
along  our  whole  line,  with  a  perpetual  crack  of  musketry. 
Such  a  roar  of  artillery  was  never  heard  on  this  continent.  For 
a  short  time  the  rebels  replied  with  vigor  and  effect,  but  their 
return  shots  grew  less  frequent  and  destructive,  while  ours  grew 
more  rapid  and  more  terrible. 

"  The  gunboats  Lexington  and  Tyler,  which  lay  a  short  dis 
tance  off,  kept  raining  shell  on  the  rebel  hordes.  This  last  effort 
was  too  much  for  the  enemy,  and  ere  dusk  had  set  in  the  firing 
had  nearly  ceased,  when,  night  coming  on,  all  the  combatants 
rested  from  their  awful  work  of  blood  and  carnage. 

"  Our  men  rested  on  their  arms  in  the  position  they  had  at  the 
close  of  the  night,  until  the  forces  of  Major-General  Lewis  Wal 
lace  arrived  and  took  position  on  the  right,  and  General  Buell's 
forces  from  the  opposite  side  and  Savannah,  were  being  conveyed 
to  the  battle-ground.  The  entire  right  of  General  Nelson's  divi 
sion  was  .ordered  to  form  on  the  right,  and  the  forces  under 
General  Crittenden  were  ordered  to  his  support  early  in  the 
morning. 

"  General  Buell,  having  himself  arrived  on  Sunday  evening, 
on  the  morning  of  Monday,  April  7th,  the  ball  was  opened  at 
daylight,  simultaneously  by  General  Nelson's  division  on  the  left, 
and  Major-General  Wallace's  division  on  the  right.  General 
Nelson's  force  opened  up  a  most  galling  fire  on  the  rebels,  and 
advanced  rapidly  as  they  fell  back.  The  fire  soon  became  gen 
eral  along  the  whole  line,  and  began  to  tell  with  terrible  effect 
on  the  enemy.  Generals  McClernand,  Sherman,  and  Hurlbut's 
men,  though  terribly  jaded  from  the  previous  day's  fighting,  still 
maintained  their  honors  won  at  Donelson  ;  but  the  resistance  of 
the  rebels  at  all  points  of  the  attack  was  terrible,  and  worthy 
of  a  better  cause. 

"  But  they  were  not  enough  for  our  undaunted  bravery,  and 
the  dreadful  desolation  produced  by  our  artillery,  which  was 
sweeping  them  away  like  chaff  before  the  wind.  But  knowing 
that  a  defeat  here  would  be  the  death-blow  to  their  hopej,  and 
that  their  all  depended  on  this  great  struggle,  their  generals 
still  urged  them  on  in  the  face  of  destruction,  hoping  by  flank 
ing  us  on  the  right  to  turn  the  tide  of  battle.  Their  success 
was  again  for  a  time  cheering,  as  they  began  to  gain  ground  ou 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          63 

us,  appearing  to  have  been  reinforced  ;  but  our  left,  under  Gen. 
eral  Nelson,  was  driving  them,  and  with  wonderful  rapidity,  and 
by  eleven  o'clock  General  Buell's  forces  had  succeeded  in  flank 
ing  them,  and  capturing  their  batteries  of  artillery. 

"  They,  however,  again  rallied  on  the  left,  and  re-crossed,  and 
the  right  forced  themselves  forward  in  another  desperate  effort. 
But  reinforcements  from  General  Wood  and  General  Thomas 
were  coming  in,  regiment  after  regiment,  which  were  sent  to 
General  Buell,  who  had  again  commenced  to  drive  the  enemy. 

" About  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  General  Grant  rode  to 
the  left  where  the  fresh  regiments  had  been  ordered,  and,  finding 
the  rebels  wavering,  sent  a  portion  of  his  body  guard  to  the  head 
of  each  of  five  regiments,  and  then  ordered  a  charge  across  the 
field,  himself  leading;  and  as  he  brandished  his  sword  and 
waved  them  on  to  the  crowning  victory,  the  cannon-balls  were 
falling  like  hail  around  him. 

"  The  men  followed  with  a  shout  that  sounded  above  the  roar 
and  din  of  artillery,  and  the  rebels  fled  in  dismay  as  from  a  de 
stroying  avalanche,  and  never  made  another  stand. 

"  General  Buell  followed  the  retreating  rebels,  driving  them  in 
splendid  style,  and  by  half-past  five  o'clock  the  whole  rebel  army 
was  in  full  retreat  to  Corinth,  with  our  cavalry  in  hot  pursuit, 
with  what  further  result  is  not  known,  not  having  returned  up 
to  this  hour. 

"  We  have  taken  a  large  amount  of  their  artillery  and  also  a 
number  of  prisoners.  We  lost  a  number  of  our  forces  prisoners 
yesterday,  among  whom  is  General  Prentiss.  The  number  of 
our  force  taken  has  not  yet  been  ascertained.  It  is  reported  at 
several  hundred.  General  Prentiss  was  also  reported  as  being 
wounded.  Among  the  killed  on  the  rebel  side  was  their  Gen 
eral-in-Chief,  Albert  Sidney  Johnston,  who  was  struck  by  a 
cannon-ball  on  the  afternoon  of  Sunday.  Of  this  there  is  no 
doubt,  and  it  is  further  reported  that  General  Beauregard  was 
wounded. 

"  This  afternoon,  Generals  Bragg,  Breckinridge,  and  Jackson 
were  commanding  portions  of  the  rebel  forces. 

"  There  has  never  been  a  parallel  to  the  gallantry  and  bear 
ing  of  our  officers,  from  the  Commanding  General  to  the  lowest 
officer. 

"  General  Grant  and  staff  were  in  the  field,  riding  along  the 
lines  in  the  thickest  of  the  enemy's  fire  during  the  entire  two 
days  of  the  battle,  and  all  slept  on  the  ground  Sunday  night, 
during  a  heavy  rain.  On  several  occasions  General  Grant  got 
within  range  of  the  enemy's  guns,  and  was  discovered  and 
fired  upon. 

"  Lieutenant-Colonel  McPherson  had  his  horse  shot  from  un 
der  him  when  along  side  of  General  Grant. 

"  Captain  Carson  was  between  General  Grant  and  your  cor 
respondent,  when  a  cannon-ball  took  off  his  head  and  killed  and 
wounded  several  others 


64          LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

"General  Sherman  had  two  horses  killed  under  him,  and  Gen- 
eral  McClernand  shared  like  dangers ;  also  General  Hurlbut, 
each  of  whom  received  bullet  holes  through  their  clothes." 

General  Grant's  official  report  of  the  battle  was  worded 
as  follows : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DIST.  WESTERN  TENNESSEE, 

"  PITTSBURGH,  April  9M,  1862. 

"To  Captain  N.  H.  McLean,  A.  A.  G.,  Department  of  Missis 
sippi,  St.  Louis : 

"  CAPTAIN  : — It  becomes  my  duty  again  to  report  another 
battle  fought  between  two  great  armies,  one  contending  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  best  government  ever  devised,  and  the  other 
for  its  destruction.  It  is  pleasant  to  record  the  success  of  the 
army  contending  for  the  former  principle. 

"  On  Sunday  morning  our  piokets  were  attacked  and  driven 
in  by  the  enemy.  Immediately  the  five  divisions  stationed  at 
this  place  were  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  to  meet  them. 

"  The  battle  soon  waxed  warm  on  the  left  and  centre,  varying 
at  times  to  all  parts  of  the  line.  There  was  the  most  continuous 
firing  of  musketry  and  artillery  ever  heard  on  this  continent, 
kept  up  until  nightfall. 

"  The  enemy  having  forced  the  centre  line  to  fall  back  nearly 
half-way  from  their  camps  to  the  landing,  at  a  late  hour  in  the 
afternoon  a  desperate  effort  was  made  by  the  enemy  to  turn  our 
left  and  get  possession  of  the  landing,  transports,  etc. 

"  This  point  was  guarded  by  the  gunboats,  Tyler  and  Lexing 
ton,  Captains  Gwin  and  Shirk,  commanding,  with  four  twenty- 
four-pounder  Parrot  guns,  and  a  battery  of  rifled  guns. 

"  As  there  is  a  deep  and  impassable  ravine  for  artillery  or 
cavalry,  and  very  difficult  for  infantry  at  this  point,  no  troops 
were  stationed  here  except  the  necessary  artillerists  and  a  small 
infantry  force  for  their  support.  Just  at  this  moment  the  ad 
vance  of  Major-General  Buell's  column  and  a  part  of  the  divi 
sion  of  General  Nelson  arrived,  the  two  generals  named  both 
being  present.  An  advance  was  immediately  made  upon  the 
point  of  attack,  and  the  enemy  was  soon  driven  back. 

"  In  this  repulse,  much  is  due  to  the  presence  of  the  gunboats 
Tyler  and  Lexington,  and  their  able  commanders,  Captains  Gwin 
and  Shirk. 

"  During  the  night  the  divisions  under  Generals  Crittenden  and 
McCook  arrived. 

"  General  Lewis  Wallace,  at  Camp  Landing,  six  miles  below,! 
was  ordered,  at  an  early  hour  in  the  morning,  to  hold  his  divi 
sion  in  readiness  to  move  in  any  direction  it  might  be  ordered. 
At  eleven  o'clock,  the  order  was  delivered  to  move  it  up  to 
Pittsburgh,  but  owing  to  its  being  led  by  a  circuitous  route,  did 
not  arrive  in  time  to  take  part  in  Sunday's  action. 

"  During  the  night  all  was  quiet,  and,  feeling  that  a  great 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.  65 

moral  advantage  would  be  gained  by  becoming  the  attacking 
party,  an  advance  was  ordered  as  soon  as  day  dawned.  The  re 
sult  was  the  gradual  repulse  of  the  enemy  at  all  points  of  the 
line,  from  nine  until  probably  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  when 
it  became  evident  the  enemy  was  retreating. 

"  Before  the  close  of  the  action,  the  advance  of  General  F  J. 
Wood's  division  arrived  in  time  to  take  part  in  the  action. 

"  My  force  was  too  much  fatigued,  from  two  days'  hard  fight 
ing  and  exposure  in  the  open  air  to  a  drenching  rain  during  the 
intervening  night,  to  pursue  immediately. 

"  Night  closed  in  cloudy  and  with  a  heavy  rain,  making  the 
roads  impracticable  for  artillery  by  the  next  morning. 

"  General  Sherman,  however,  followed  the  enemy,  finding  that 
the  main  part  of  the  army  had  retreated  in  good  order. 

"  Hospitals  with  the  enemy's  wounded  were  found  all  along 
the  road  as  far  as  pursuit  was  made.  Dead  bodies  of  the  enemy 
and  many  graves  were  also  found.  I  inclose  herewith  a  report 
of  General  Sherman,  which  will  explain  more  fully  the  result  of 
the  pursuit,  and  of  the  part  taken  by  each  separate  command. 

"I  cannot  take  special  notice  in  this  report,  but  will  do  so 
more  fully  when  the  reports  of  the  division  commanders  are 
handed  in. 

"  General  Buell,  commanding  in  the  field  with  a  distinct  army 
long  under  his  command,  and  which  did  such  efficient  service, 
commanded  by  himself  in  person  on  the  field,  will  be  much  bet 
ter  able  to  notice  those  of  his  command  who  particularly  dis 
tinguished  themselves,  than  I  possibly  can. 

"  I  feel  it  a  duty,  however,  to  a  gallant  and  able  officer,  Briga 
dier-General  W.  T.  Sherman,  to  make  special  mention.  He  not 
only  was  with  his  command  during  the  entire  two  days  of  the 
action,  but  displayed  great  judgment  and  skill  in  the  manage 
ment  of  his  men  ;  although  severely  wounded  in  the  hand  on  the 
first  day,  his  place  was  never  vacant.  He  was  again  wounded, 
and  had  three  horses  killed  under  him.  In  making  this  mention 
of  a  gallant  officer  no  disparagement  is  intended  to  other  divi 
sion  commanders  or  major-generals,  John  A.  McClernand,  and 
Lewis  Wallace,  and  Brigadier-Generals  Hurlbut,  Prentiss,  and 
W.  H.  L.  Wallace,  all  of  whom  maintained  their  places  with 
credit  to  themselves  and  the  cause.  General  Prentiss  was  taken 
prisoner  on  the  first  day's  action,  and  General  W.  H.  L.  Wal 
lace  was  severely,  and  probably  mortally,  wounded.  His  As 
sistant  Adjutant-General,  Captain  William  Me  Michael,  is  miss 
ing,  and  was  probably  taken  prisoner.  My  personal  staff  are  all 
deserving  of  particular  mention,  they  having  been  engaged 
during  the  entire  two  days  in  carrying  orders  to  every  part  of 
the  field.  It  consists  of  Colonel  J.  DT  Webster,  Chief  of  Staff; 
Lieutenant-Colonel  J.  B.  McPherson,  Chief  of  Engineers,  as 
sisted  by  Lieutenants  W.  L.  B.  Jenny  and  William  Kossac , 
Captain  J.  A.  Kawlius,  Assistant  Adjutant-General;  W.  S. 


66  LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Hilyer,  W.  E.  Rawley,  and  C.  B.  Lagon,  Aides-de-Camp ; 
Colonel  G.  Pride,  Volunteer  Aid,  and  Captain  J.  P.  Hawkins, 
Chief  Commissary,  who  accompanied  me  upon  the  field.  .  The 
medical  department,  under  direction  of  Surgeon  Hewitt,  Medical 
Director,  snowed  great  energy  in  providing  for  the  wounded  and 
in  getting  them  from  the  field,  regardless  of  danger. 

"  Colonel  Webster  was  placed  in  special  charge  of  all  the  artil 
lery,  and  was  constantly  upon  the  field.  He  displayed,  as  always 
heretofore,  both  skill  and  bravery.  At  least  in  one  instance  he 
was  the  means  of  placing  an  entire  regiment  in  position  of  doing 
most  valuable  service,  and  where  it  would  not  have  been  but  for 
his  exertions.  Lieutenant-Colonel  McPherson,  attached  to  my 
staff  as  Chief  of  Engineers,  deserves  more  than  a  passing  notice 
for  his  activity  and  courage.  All  the  grounds  beyond  our  camps 
for  miles  have  been  reconnoitered  by  him,  and  the  plans  care 
fully  prepared  under  his  supervision  give  the  most  accurate  in 
formation  of  the  nature  of  the  approaches  to  our  lines.  During 
the  two  days'  battle  he  was  constantly  in  the  saddle  leading  the 
troops  as  they  arrived  to  points  where  their  services  were  re 
quired.  During  the  engagement  he  had  one  horse  shot  under 
him. 

"  The  country  will  have  to  mourn  the  loss  of  many  brave  men 
who  fell  at  the  battle  of  Pittsburgh,  or  Shiloh  more  properly. 

"  The  exact  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  will  be  known  in  a  day 
or  two. 

"At  present  I  can  only  give  it  approximately  at  one  thou 
sand  five  hundred  killed,  and  three  thousand  five  hundred 
wounded. 

"The  loss  of  artillery  was  great,  many  pieces  being  disabled 
by  the  enemy's  shots,  and  vsome  losing  all  their  horses  and  many 
men.  There  were  probably  not  less  than  two  hundred  horses 
killed. 

"  The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed  and  left  upon  the  field  was 
greater  than  ours.  In  the  wounded  an  estimate  cannot  be  made, 
as  many  of  them  must  have  been  sent  to  Corinth  and  other 
points. 

"  The  enemy  suffered  terribly  from  demoralization  and  de 
sertion. 

"A  flag  of  truce  was  sent  in  to-day  from  General  Beauregard, 
I  inclose  herewith  a  copy  of  the  correspondence. 

"I  am,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRAXT, 
"Major-General  Commanding." 

JORRESPONDENCE  BETWEEN  GENERALS 
BEAUREGARD  AND  GRANT. 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  MISSISSIPPI, 

"  MONTEREY,  April  Bth,  1862. 

"  SIR  :— At  the  close  of  the  conflict  of  yesterday,  my  forces 
being  exhausted  by  the  extraordinary  length  of  the  time  during 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT.          67 

•  * 

•which  they  were  engaged  with  yours,  on  that  and  the  preceding 
day,  and  it  being  apparent  that  you  had  received  and  were  still 
receiving,  reinforcements,  I  felt  it  my  duty  to  withdraw  my 
troops  from  the  immediate  scene  of  the  conflict.  Under  these 
circumstances,  in  accordance  with  the  usages  of  war,  I  shall 
transmit  this  under  a  flag  of  truce,  to  ask  permission  to  send  a 
mounted  party  to  the  battle-field  of  Shiloh,  for  the  purpose  of 
giving  decent  interment  to  my  dead.  Certain  gentlemen  wish 
ing  to  avail  themselves  of  this  opportunity  to  remove  the  re 
mains  of  their  sons  and  friends,  I  must  request  for  them  the 
privilege  of  accompanying  the  burial-party;  and  in  this  connec 
tion  I  deem  it  proper  to  say  I  am  asking  what  I  have  extended 
to  your  own  countrymen  under  similar  circumstances. 

"  Respectfully,  General,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  P.  G.  T.  BEAUREGARD, 

"General  Commanding. 
"To  MAJOR-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Major- General   Commanding    U.  S.  Forces,  Pittsburgh 
Landing." 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  ARMY  IN  FIELD, 

"  PITTSBURGH,  April  $th,  1862. 

"To  General  P.  G.  T.  Beauregard,  Commanding  Confederate 
Army  on  Mississippi,  Monterey,  Tenn. : 
"  Your  despatch  of  yesterday  is  just  received.  Owing  to  the 
warmth  of  the  weather,  I  deemed  it  advisable  to  have  all  the  dead 
of  both  parties  buried  immediately.  Heavy  details  were  made 
for  this  purpose,  and  it  is  now  accomplished.  There  cannot, 
therefore,  be  any  necessity  of  admitting  within  our  lines  the 
parties  you  desired  to  send  on  the  grounds  asked.  I  shall  al 
ways  be  glad  to  extend  any  courtesy  consistent  with  duty,  and 
especially  so  when  dictated  by  humanity. 

"  I  am,  General,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT, 
"Major- General  Commanding." 

The  intelligence  of  the  great  struggle,  with  its  success 
ful  result,  was  transmitted  with  lightning  speed  to  every 
section  of  the  Northern  States,  and  while  the  loss  we  had 
incurred  caused  a  universal  feeling  of  sorrow  to  pervade 
every  loyal  community,  songs  of  praise  and  rejoicing  at 
the  victory  resounded  through  the  land.  The  War  De 
partment  officially  thanked  the  heroes  who  had  been  in 
strumental  in  repulsing  the  enemy  ;  General  Halleck,  the 
commander  of  the  DeDartment,  expressed  his  gratitude  to 


68          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    8.   (SRANT. 

Generals  Grant  and  Buell,  and  the  officers  and  men  of  their 
respective" commands,  for  the  bravery  and  endurance  which 
had  led  to  the  defeat  of  the  enemy ;  salutes  were  fired  by 
patriots  in  various  cities  and  towns ;  and  throughout  the 
length  and  breadth  of  the  loyal  States  there  was  the  moat 
enthusiastic  rejoicing  over  this  decisive  repulse  of  the 
rebel  army  in  the  Southwest. 

After  the  battle  of  Pittsburgh  Landing,  General  Buell 
began  criticising  in  a  friendly  way  the  impolicy  of  his 
having  fought  a  battle  with  the  Tennessee  river  behind 
his  men.  "  Where,  if  beaten,  could  you  have  retreated, 
General  ?"  asked  Buell.  "  I  didn't  mean  to  be  beaten," 
was  Grant's  sententious  reply.  "But  suppose  you  had 
been  defeated,  despite  all  your  exertions  ?"  "  Well,  there 
were  all  the  transports  to  carry  the  remains  of  the  com 
mand  across  the  river."  "But,  General,"  urged  Buell, 
"  your  whole  transports  could  not  contain  even  ten  thou 
sand  men,  and  it  would  be  impossible  for  them  to  make 
more  than  one  trip  in  the  face  of  the  enemy."  "  Well,  if 
I  had  been  beaten,"  said  General  Grant,  pausing  to  light 
another  cigar  as  he  spoke,  "transportation  for  ten  thousand 
men  would  have  been  abundant  for  all  that  would  have 
been  left  of  us." 

IMPORTANT  RECONNOISSANCES. 

On  the  eighth  of  April,  1862,  the  army  being  now  under 
the  command  of  General  Halleck,  General  Sherman,  with 
a  large  cavalry  and  infantry  force,  made  a  reconnoissance 
in  the  direction  of  Corinth,  and  after  a  slight  skirmish,  com 
pelled  the  enemy  to  retire,  and  then  destroyed  his  camp  j 
and  on  the  morning  of  the  seventeenth  of  the  same  month, 
a  mounted  force,  numbering  about  four  thousand,  under 
the  command  of  General  Smith,  Chief  of  cavalry  upon 
General  Halleck's  staff,  left  Pittsburgh  Landing,  and  when 
near  Monterey,  the  advance  encountered  the  rebel  pickets, 
and  subsequently,  a  large  body  of  infantry.  The  position 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT. 

of  the  foe  having  been  ascertained,  the  Union  troops  re 
turned  to  camp.  A  week  later,  the  same  commander  at 
tacked  the  rebel  pickets,  and  driving  them  back,  advanced 
to  Pea  Ridge,  where,  finding  the  enemy  drawn  up  in  line 
of  battle,  he  attacked  and  forced  them  to  leave  the  field, 
their  tents,  equipage  and  private  baggage  falling  into  his 
hands.  On  the  twenty-seventh,  Purdy,  on  the  line  of  the 
Jackson  and  Corinth  railroad,  and  about  ten  miles  from 
the  latter  place,  was  evacuated  by  the  rebels,  and  two 
days  later,  Monterey  was  visited  by  the  Union  troops,  and 
the  enemy's  camp,  which  was  deserted  at  the  approach  of 
our  forces,  destroyed.  On  the  thirtieth  of  April  a  recon- 
noissance  in  force  was  made  from  the  right  wing  of  the 
Union  army,  and  a  large  body  of  rebel  cavalry  attacked 
and  compelled  to  fall  back  beyond  Purdy.  That  town  was 
then  occupied  for  a  period  sufficiently  extended  to  enable 
our  troops  to  burn  two  important  bridges,  and  thus  cut 
off  all  railroad  communication  between  Corinth  and  the 
North.  This  last  achievement  may  be  regarded  as  the 
commencement  of  the  celebrated  siege  of  Corinth. 

RE-ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  ARMY— GENERAL 
GRANT   SECOND  IN  COMMAND. 

Early  in  May,  1862,  the  "  Grand  Army  of  the  Ten 
nessee"  was  organized,  and  was  composed  of  the  Army 
of  the  Tennessee  (right)  under  General  Grant ;  the  Army 
of  the  Mississippi  (left)  under  General  Pope  ;  and  the 
Army  of  the  Ohio  (centre)  under  General  Buell.  There 
were  sixteen  divisions  in  all,  eight  of  which  were  in  Gen 
eral  Grant's  command,  four  constituting  the  right  or  active 
wing  under  General  Thomas,  and  four  constituting  the 
reserve  corps  under  General  McClernand.  General  Grant 
was  at  the  same  time  ordered  to  retain  command  of  his 
District,  and  was  placed  second  in  command  under  the 
major-general  commanding  the  Department,  General  Hal- 
leek. 


70          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 


GENERAL  GRANT  VILLIFIED— AN  ABLE  CON 
GRESSIONAL  DEFENCE. 

„  This  additional  mark  of  appreciation  bestowed  by  a 
superior  officer  who  had  ample  opportunity  to  witness  the 
great  ability  and  gallantry  of  General  Grant,  was  tendered 
at  a  moment  when  jealous  military  opponents  and  unscru 
pulous  journalists  were  straining  every  nerve  to  have  him 
removed  from  the  field  of  his  successful  operations.  His 
qualifications  as  a  soldier  were  disparaged,  and  his  private 
character  most  unjustifiably  and  villanously  assailed,  un 
til  at  length  the  public  outcry  pervaded  the  halls  of  Con 
gress.  His  friends,  however,  hastened  to  the  rescue,  and 
many  addresses  and  arguments  were  made  in  his  defence. 
In  a  speech  made  by  the  Hon.  E.  B.  Washburne,  of  Illi 
nois,  in  the  United  States  House  of  Representatives,  on 
the  second  of  May,  1862,  his  assailants  received  a  merited 
rebuke,  as  the  following  extract  will  show : 

"  Mr.  Speaker,"  said  Mr.  Washburne,  "  I  will  only  trouble  the 
House  for  a  few  moments,  but  when  justice  claims  to  be  heard, 
it  is  said  that  a  nation  should  be  silent. 

"  It  may  be  inquired  whether  in  this  rebellion  history  is  not 
repeating  itself.  I  come  before  the  House  to  do  a  great  act  of 
justice  to  a  soldier  in  the  field,  and  to  vindicate  him  from  the 
obloquy  and  misrepresentations  so  persistently  and  cruelly  thrust 
before  the  country.  I  refer  to  a  distinguished  general  who  has 
recently  fought  the  bloodiest  and  hardest  battle  ever  fought  on 
this  continent,  and  won  one  of  the  most  brilliant  victories.  I 
refer  to  the  battle  of  Pittsburgh  Landing,  and  to  Major-General 
Ulysses  S.  Grant.  A  native  of  Ohio,  he  graduated  at  West 
Point,  July  1st,  1843,  with  the  brevet  rank  of  second-lieutenant, 
and  was  appointed  second-lieutenant,  September  30th,  1845. 
Though  but  forty  fears  old,  he  has  been  oftener  under  fire  and 
been  in  more  battles  than  any  other  man  living  on  this  conti 
nent,  excepting  that  great  chieftain  now  reposing  on  his  laurels 
and  on  the  affections  of  his  countrymen,  Lieutenant-General 
Scott.  He  was  in  every  battle  in  Mexico  that  was  possible  for 
any  one  man  to  be  in.  He  followed  the  victorious  standard  of 
General  Taylor  on  the  Rio  Grande,  and  was  in  the  battles  of 
Palo  Alto,  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  and  Monterey.  He  was  with 
General  Scott  at  Vera  Cruz,  and  participated  in  every  battle 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GEANT.          71 

from  the  Gulf  to  the  city  of  Mexico.  He  was  breveted  first- 
lieutenant  September  8th,  1847,  for  gallant  and  meritorious  con 
duct  at  the  battle  of  Molino  del  Key,  and  on  the  13th  of  the 
same  month  he  was  breveted  captain  for  gallant  and  meritorious 
conduct  at  the  battle  of  Chapultepec.  He  has  received  the 
baptismal  of  fire.  No  young  officer  came  out  of  the  Mexican 
war  with  more  distinction  than  Grant,  and  the  records  of  the 
War  Department  bear  official  testimony  to  his  gallant  and  noble 
deeds.  He  resigned  in  1855,  and  afterwards  settled  in  Galena, 
in  the  district  I  have  the  honor  to  represent  on  this  floor. 

"  Grant  was  among  the  first  to  offer  his  services  to  the  coun 
try  at  the  commencement  of  hostilities,  saying  that  as  he  had 
been  educated  by  the  Government,  that  Government  was  entitled 
to  his  services  in  its  time  of  peril.  Early  made  a  colonel  of  one 
of  the  Illinois  regiments,  he  went  into  actual  service  in  Mis 
souri.  His  commands  there  were  important,  and  he  discharged 
every  duty  with  great  fidelity  and  advantage  to  the  public  ser 
vice.  With  a  military  head  and  a  military  hand,  he  everywhere 
evoked  order  from  chaos.  Military  discipline,  order,  and 
economy,  travelled  in  his  path.  In  time  he  was  a  brigadier- 
general,  and  intrusted  with  the  important  command  of  the  dis 
trict  of  Cairo  ;  and  how  diligently,  how  faithfully,  how  satisfac 
torily  he  discharged  all  his  duties,  is  well  known  to  the  country. 
While  in  that  command,  learning  of  a  movement  about  being 
made  by  the  rebels  at  Columbus  to  send  out  a  large  force  to  cut 
off  Colonel  Oglesby,  who  had  gone  into  Missouri  after  that 
roaming  bandit,  Jeff.  Thompson,  by  a  sudden  and  masterly 
stroke  he  fell  upon  Belmont,  and  after  a  brilliant  and  decisive 
action,  in  which  he  and  all  his  troops  displayed  great  bravery, 
he  broke  up  the  rebel  camp  with  great  loss,  and  then  returned 
to  Cairo.  The  expedition  was  broken  up,  Oglesby's  command 
was  saved,  and  every  thing  was  accomplished  that  was  expected. 

"  In  time  came  the  operations  up  the  Cumberland  and  Tennes 
see.  By  a  singular  coincidence,  on  the  29th  day  of  January  last, 
without  any  suggestion  from  any  source,  General  Grant  and 
Commodore  Foote,  always  acting  in  entire  harmony,  applied  for 
permission  to  move  up  the  Cumberland  and  Tennessee,  which 
was  granted.  The  gunboats  and  land  forces  moved  up  to  Fort 
Henry.  After  that  fort  was  taken  it  was  determined  to  attack 
Fort  Donelson.  The  gunboats  were  to  go  round  and  up  the 
Cumberland  river,  while  the  army  was  to  move  overland  from 
Fort  Henry  to  Fort  Donelson. 

"  The  roads  were  the  worst  ever  known,  and  almost  any  other 
general  or  any  other  troops  would  have  despaired  of  moving 
But  they  did  move.  If  General  Grant  had  been  told  that  it 
was  impossible  to  move  his  army  there,  he  would  have  made  a 
reply  like  to  that  of  the  royal  Pompey,  when  he  was  told  that 
his  fleet  could  not  sail :  '  It  is  necessary  to  sail,  not  necessary 
to  live.'  It  was  necessary  for  this  western  army  to  march,  but  it 


72          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

was  not  necessary  to  live.  The  country  knows  the  result-— 
Donelson  fell.  The  enemy,  twenty  thousand  strong,  behind  his 
iutrenchments,  succumbed  before  the  unrelenting  bravery  and 
vigor  of  our  troops,  no  more  than  twenty-eight  thousand  en 
gaged.  We  took  there,  not  twelve  thousand,  not  fifteen  thou 
sand,  but  more  than  sixteen  thousand  prisoners.  I*have  it  from 
General  Halleck,  that  we  have  actually  paid  transportation  fo* 
more  than  sixteen  thousand  prisoners.  That,  in  most  countries, 
would  have  been  called  a  most  brilliant  military  achievement 
Napoleon  surrounded  Old  Mack  at  Ulm,  and  captured  twenty 
thousand  or  more  prisoners,  and  that  exploit  has  filled  a  great 
space  in  history. 

"  While  the  capture  of  Donelson  filled  the  country  with  joy, 
there  was  a  cruel  disposition  to  withhold  from  the  commanding 
general  the  meed  of  gratitude  and  praise  so  justly  his  due. 
Captious  criticisms  were  indulged  in  that  he  did  not  make  the 
attack  properly,  and  that  if  he  had  done  differently  the  work 
might  have  been  better  accomplished.  It  was  not  enough  that 
he  fought  and  gloriously  conquered,  but  he  ought  to  have  done 
it  differently,  forsooth.  Success  could  be  no  test  of  merit  with 
him.  That  was  the  way  the  old  generals  spoke  of  the  young 
Napoleon  when  he  was  beating  them  in  every  battle,  and  carry 
ing  his  eagles  in  triumph  over  all  Europe.  He  did  not  fight  ac 
cording  to  the  rules  of  war.  But  there  was  a  more  grievous 
suggestion  touching  the  general's  habits.  It  is  a  suggestion 
that  has  infused  itself  into  the  public  mind  everywhere.  There 
never  was  a  more  cruel  and  atrocious  slander  upon  a  brave  and 
noble-minded  man.  There  is  no  more  temperate  man  in  the 
army  than  General  Grant.  He  never  indulges  in  the  use  of  in 
toxicating  liquors  at  all.  He  is  an  example  of  courage,  honor, 
fortitude,  activity,  temperance,  and  modesty,  for  he  is  as  modest 
as  he  is  brave  and  incorruptible.  To  the  bravery  and  fortitude 
of  Lannes,  he  adds  the  stern  republican  simplicity  of  Guviou 
St.  Cyr.  It  is  almost  vain  to  hope  that  full  justice  will  ever  be 
done  to  men  who  have  been  thus  attacked.  Truth  is  slow  upon 
the  heels  of  falsehood.  It  has  been  well  said  that  '  falsehood 
will  travel  from  Maine  to  Georgia  while  truth  is  putting  on  its 
boots.' 

"  Let  no  gentleman  have  any  fears  of  General  Grant.  He  is 
no  candidate  for  the  Presidency.  He  is  no  politician.  Inspired 
by  the  noblest  patriotism,  he  only  desires  to  do  his  whole  duty 
to  his  country.  When  the  war  shall  be  over  he  will  return  to 
his  home,  and  sink  the  soldier  in  the  simple  citizen.  Though 
living  in  the  same  town  with  myself,  he  has  no  political  claims  on 
me,  for,  so  far  as  he  is  a  politician,  he  belongs  to  a  different  party. 
He  has  no  personal  claims  upon  me  more  than  any  other  con 
stituent.  But  I  came  here  to  speak  as  an  Illinoisian,  proud  of 
his  noble  and  patriotic  State ;  proud  of  its  great  history  now 
being  made  up ;  proud  above  all  earthly  things  of  her  brave 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.          73 

soldiers,  who  are  shedding  their  blood  upon  all  the  battle-fields 
of  the  Republic.  If  the  laurels  of  Grant  shall  ever  be  withered, 
it  will  not  be  done  by  the  Illinois  soldiers  who  have  followed  his 
victorious  banner. 

"  But  to  the  victory  at  Pittsburgh  Landing,  which  has  called 
forth  *uch  a  flood  of  denunciation  upon  General  Grant.  When 
we  consider  the  charges  of  bad  generalship,  incompetency,  and 
surprise,  do  we  not  feel  that '  even  the  joy  of  the  people  is  cruel  ?' 
As  to  the  question  of  whether  there  was,  or  not,  what  might  be 
called  a  surprise,  I  will  not  argue  it ;  but  even  if  there  had 
been,  General  Grant  is  no  wise  responsible  for  it,  for  he  was  not 
surprised.  He  was  at  his  head-quarters  at  Savannah  when  the 
fight  commenced.  Those  head-quarters  were  established  there, 
as  being  the  most  convenient  point  for  all  parts  of  his  command. 
Some  of  the  troops  were  at  Crump's  Landing,  between  Savannah 
and  Pittsburgh,  and  all  the  new  arrivals  were  coming  to  Savan 
nah.  That  was  the  proper  place  for  the  head-quarters  of  the 
commanding  general  at  that  time.  The  general  visited  Pitts 
burgh  Landing  and  all  the  important  points  every  day.  The 
attack  was  made  Sunday  morning  by  a  vastly  superior  force. 
In  five  minutes  after  the  first  firing  was  heard,  General  Grant 
and  staff  were  on  board  a  steamboat  on  the  way  to  the  battle 
field,  and  instead  of  not  reaching  the  field  till  ten  o'clock,  or,  as 
has  been  still  more  falsely  represented,  till  noon,  I  have  a  letter 
before  me  from  one  of  his  aides  who  was  with  him,  and  who  says 
he  arrived  there  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  imme 
diately  assumed  command.  There  he  directed  the  movements, 
and  was  always  on  that  part  of  the  field  where  his  presence  was 
most  required,  exposing  his  life,  and  evincing  in  his  dispositions, 
the  genius  of  the  greatest  commanders.  With  what  desperate 
bravery  that  battle  of  Sunday  was  fought !  what  display  of 
prowess  and  courage !  what  prodigies  of  valor !  Our  troops, 
less  than  forty  thousand,  attacked  by  more  than  eighty  thou 
sand  of  the  picked  men  of  the  rebels,  led  by  their  most  distin 
guished  generals  ! 

"  But  it  is  gravely  charged  by  these  military  critics  who  sit 
by  the  fireside  while  our  soldiers  are  risking  their  lives  on  th« 
field  of  conflict,  that  Grant  was  to  blame  in  having  his  troops  on 
the  same  side  of  the  river  with  the  enemy.  I  suppose  they 
would  have  the  river  interpose  between  our  army  and  the  enemy, 
and  permit  that  enemy  to  intrench  himself  on  the  other  side, 
and  then  undertake  to  cross  in  his  face.  It  was,  in  the  judg 
ment  of  the  best  military  men,  a  wise  disposition  of  his  forces, 
-*-----  them  where  he  did.  To  have  done  otherwise,  would 


have  been  like  keeping  the  entire  army  of  the  Potomac  on  thid 
side  of  the  river,  instead  of  crossing  it  when  it  could  be  done, 
and  advancing  on  the  other  side. 

"After  fighting  all  day  with  immensely  superior  numbers  of 
the  enemy,  they  only  drove  our  forces  back  two  and  one  half 


74          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

miles,  and  then  it  was  to  face  the  gunboats  and  the  terrible 
batteries  so  skilfully  arranged  and  worked  by  the  gallant  and 
accomplished  officers,  Webster  and  Callender,  and  which 
brought  the  countless  host  of  the  enemy  to  a  stand.  And 
when  night  came,  this  unconquerable  army  stood  substantially 
triumphant  on  that  bloody  field. 

"  I  believe,  notwithstanding  the  desperate  fighting  on  Sunday, 
and  the  partial  repulse  of  our  troops,  that,  aided  by  the  fresh 
troops  of  the  brave  Lew.  Wallace,  that  army  could  have  whipped 
the  enemy  on  Monday  without  further  reinforcements.  That 
army  could  never  have  been  conquered.  But  I  would  not  de 
tract  from  the  glorious  fighting  of  BuelPs  troops  on  Monday, 
for  they  behaved  with  great  gallantry  and  fought  bravely,  suc 
cessfully,  and  well.  Justice  must  be  done  to  all.  By  a  general 
order,  General  Halleck,  now  on  the  spot  and  cognizant  of  all 
the  facts,  has  publicly  thanked  the  generals,  Grant,  Buell,  and 
Sherman,  indorsing  their  bravery  and  skill. 

"  Sir,  I  have  detained  the  House  too  long,  but  I  have  felt 
called  upon  to  say  this  much.  I  came  only  to  claim  public 
justice  ;  the  battle  of  Pittsburgh  Landing,  though  a  bloody  one, 
yet  it  will  make  a  bright  page  in  our  history.  The  final  charge 
of  General  Grant  at  the  head  of  his  reserves  will  have  a  place, 
too,  in  history.  While  watching  the  progress  of  the  battle  on 
Monday  afternoon,  word  came  to  him  that  the  enemy  was  falter 
ing  on  the  left.  With  the  genius  that  belongs  only  to  the  true 
military  man,  he  saw  that  the  time  for  the  final  blow  had  come. 
In  quick  words  he  said,  'Now  is  the  time  to  drive  them.'  It 
was  worthy  the  world-renowned  order  of  Wellington,  'Up, 
Guards,  and  at  them.'  Word  was  sent  by  his  body-guard  to  the 
different  regiments  to  be  ready  to  charge  when  the  order  was 
given  ;  then,  riding  out  in  front  amid  a  storm  of  bullets,  he  led 
the  charge  in -person,  and  Beauregard  was  driven  howling  to  his 
intrenchments.  His  left  was  broken,  and  a  retreat  commenced 
which  soon  degenerated  into  a  perfect  rout.  The  loss  of  the 
enemy  was  three  to  our  two  in  men,  and  in  much  greater  pro 
portion  in  the  demoralization  of  an  army  which  follows  a  defeat. 
That  battle  has  laid  the  foundation  for  finally  driving  the  rebels 
from  the  Southwest.  So  much  for  the  battle  of  Pittsburgh 
Landing,  which  has  evoked  such  unjust  and  cruel  criticism,  but 
which  history  will  record  as  one  of  the  most  glorious  victories 
that  has  ever  illustrated  the  annals  of  a  great  nation." 

SKIRMISHING  BEFORE  CORINTH -THE  EVAC 
UATION  OP  THAT   STRONGHOLD. 

Between  the  eighth  and  the  middle  of  May,  there  were 
numerous  skirmishes  between  the  opposing  forces,  which 
were  gradually  approaching  closer  to  each  other,  and  on 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.  75 

the  seventeenth  of  the  month,  General  Sherman's  division 
advanced  along  the  Corinth  road,  until  they  reached  a 
point  known  as  "  Russell's  House,"  where  they  encoun 
tered  the  enemy,  and  after  a  sharp  engagement,  succeeded 
in  driving  them  from  their  position,  which  General  Sher 
man  occupied  and  intrenched.  On  the  morning  of  the 
twenty-first,  General  Thomas  A.  Davies's  division  moved 
forward  for  the  purpose  of  occupying  an  important  ridge 
to  the  north  of  Phillip's  Creek.  Fire  was  immediately 
opened  by  the  enemy,  and  for  some  time  a  severe  engage 
ment  progressed,  but  finally  the  rebels  were  compelled  to 
retire,  completely  routed,  and  the  Union  troops  occupied 
and  fortified  the  ridge,  which  was  within  shelling  distance 
of  the  enemy's  intrenchments.  On  the  twenty-seventh 
the  rebels  were  whipped  by  General  Sherman's  division, 
and  on  the  next  day  three  columns,  commanded  respec 
tively  by  Generals  Thomas,  Buell  and  Pope,  and  under 
the  personal  direction  of  General  Grant,  made  a  recon- 
noissance  within  gunshot  of  the  works  at  Corinth.  Their 
advance  was  hotly  contested,  but  the  rebels  were  driven 
back  with  considerable  loss,  and  the  objects  of  the  recon- 
noissance  were  satisfactorily  accomplished.  On  the  twenty- 
ninth,  much  to  the  astonishment  of  our  officers  and  men, 
who  had  anticipated  another  scene  of  blood,  the  rebels 
evacuated  Corinth,  and  on  the  following  morning  the 
place,  and  the  numerous  formidable  works  around  it,  were 
occupied  by  General  Halleck's  army,  the  Fifth  division  of 
General  Grant's  Army  of  the  Tennessee  being  the  first  to 
enter  the  works. 

Pursuit  of  the  demoralized  Southern  troops  was  imme 
diately  commenced,  and  was  continued  until,  finding  it 
impossible  to  rival  the  fugitives  in  speed,  the  pursuers  were 
ordered  to  return.  Expeditions  were  also  sent  in  different 
directions  to  destroy  railroad  communications,  not  the 
least  important  of  which  was  one  sent  to  Holly  Snrings, 


76          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

under  command  of  General  Sherman,  and  which  destroyed 
much  valuable  property  in  and  near  that  place. 

IMPORTANT  ORDERS  ISSUED  AT  MEMPHIS. 

Immediately  after  the  surrender  of  Memphis  in  June, 
1862,  General  Grant  visited  that  city,  and  placing  it  under 
the  charge  of  a  Provost-Marshal,  took  such  decisive  steps 
as  would  tend  to  suspend  the  illicit  traffic  which  had  been 
previously  extensively  carried  on  by  the  sympathizers 
with  treason,  between  that  point  and  the  States  in  rebel 
lion,  and  also  check  the  depredations  of  guerillas  in  that 
section  of  the  country.  The  sending  of  goods,  fire-arms, 
ammunition,  and  correspondence  out  of  the  city,  was  pro 
hibited  ;  persons  desirous  of  leaving  the  place,  were  re 
quired  first  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance,  or  give  a  parole 
of  honor  ;  the  families  of  persons  holding  civic  or  military 
positions  under  the  rebel  government,  were  instructed  to 
move  south  beyond  our  lines,  unless  they  signed  a  pre 
scribed  parole,  and  gave  a  guarantee  that  they  had  not 
conspired  against  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
since  the  occupation  of  Memphis,  and  would  not  do  so  in 
the  future  ;  guerillas  were  notified  that  they  would  not  be 
treated  as  prisoners  of  war  when  captured,  and  the  seizure 
and  sale  of  the  property  of  sympathizing  residents  of  the 
immediate  neighborhood,  for  the  purpose  of  remunerating 
the  Government  for  loss  and  expense  that  might  be  sus 
tained  by  the  depredations  of  the  outlaws,  was  authorized  ; 
and  finally,  the  unoccupied  buildings  in  the  city  belonging 
to  traitors,  were  ordered  to  be  taken  possession  of  and 
rented  for  the  benefit  of  the  United  States. 

GENERAL  GRANT  ASSUMES  COMMAND  OP 
THE  DEPARTMENT  OP  WEST  TENNESSEE- 
IMPORTANT  ORDERS  ISSUED. 

On  the  seventeenth  of  July,  1862,  General  Halleck  took 
leave  of  his  army,  preparatory  to  going  to  Washington  t<* 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.  77 

assume  a  more  exalted  position,  and  immediately  after 
wards  his  Department  was  subdivided  and  placed  under 
the  command  of  different  Generals.  The  "  Department  of 
West  Tennessee"  was  assigned  to  General  Grant,  with 
Corinth  as  his  head-quarters.  From  its  creation,  how 
ever,  until  the  middle  of  September,  with  the  exception 
of  a  few  skirmishes  which  invariably  terminated  in  the 
success  of  the  Union  troops,  there  was  no  fighting,  nor 
indeed  any  military  movements  of  importance. 

During  this  interval,  however,  two  important  orders 
were  issued  by  General  Grant,  the  first  of  which  was  pro 
mulgated  on  the  eleventh  of  August,  and  was  worded  as 
follows : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  WEST  TENNESSEE, 
"  CORINTH,  Miss.,  August  llth,  1862. 

"  The  recent  Act  of  Congress  prohibits  the  army  from  return 
ing  fugitives  from  labor  to  their  claimants,  and  authorizes  the 
employment  of  such  persons  in  the  service  of  the  government. 
The  following  orders  are  therefore  published  for  the  guidance 
of  the  army  in  this  matter. 

"  1.  All  fugitives  thus  employed  must  be  registered ;  the 
names  of  the  fugitives  and  claimant  given,  and  must  be  borne 
upon  the  morning  report  of  the  command  in  which  they  are  kept, 
showing  how  they  are  employed. 

"2.  Fugitives  may  be  employed  as  laborers  in  the  quarter 
master's,  subsistence,  and  engineer's  department ;  and  whenever 
by  such  employment  a  soldier  may  be  saved  to  its  ranks,  they 
may  be  employed  as  teamsters  and  as  company  cooks,  not  ex 
ceeding  four  to  a  company,  or  as  hospital  attendants  and  nurses. 
Officers  may  employ  them  as  private  servants,  in  which  latter 
case  the  fugitives  will  not  be  paid  or  rationed  by  the  government. 
Negroes  thus  employed  must  be  secured  as  authorized  persons, 
and  will  be  excluded  from  the  camps. 

"  3.  Officers  and  soldiers  are  positively  prohibited  from  en 
ticing  slaves  to  leave  their  masters.  When  it  becomes  necessary 
to  employ  this  kind  of  labor,  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
post  or  troops  must  send  details,  all  under  the  charge  of  a  suita 
ble  commissioned  officer,  to  press  into  service  the  slaves  of 
persons  to  the  number  required. 

"  4.  Citizens  within  reach  of  any  military  station,  known  to 
be  disloyal  and  dangerous,  may  be  ordered  away  or  arrested, 
and  their  crops  and  stock  taken  for  the  benefit  of  the  govern- 
nu  ut  or  the  use  of  the  army. 


78          LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

"  5.  All  property  taken  from  rebel  owners  must  be  duly 
reported  and  used  for  the  benefit  of  the  government,  and  be 
issued  to  the  troops  through  the  proper  department,  and,  when 
practicable,  the  act  of  taking  should  be  accompanied  by  the 
written  certificate  of  the  officer  so  taking  to  the  owner  or  agent 
of  such  property. 

"  It  is  enjoined  on  all  commanders  to  see  that  this  order  ia 
executed  strictly  under  their  own  direction.  The  demoraliza 
tion  of  troops  subsequent  upon  being  left  to  execute  laws  in 
their  own  way  without  a  proper  head  must  be  avoided. 

"By  command  of  " Major- General  GRANT. 

"JOHN  A.  RAWLINS,  A.  A.  G." 

The  other,  intended  for  a  number  of  disreputable  char 
acters  who  had  fled  from  their  respective  States  to  Ten 
nessee  to  escape  the  draft,  read  as  follows : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  WEST  TENNESSEE, 
"  CORINTH,  Miss.,  August  IQth,  1862. 

"  1.  All  non-residents  of  this  department,  found  within  the 
same,  who,  if  at  home,  would  be  subjected  to  draft,  will  at  once 
be  enrolled  under  the  supervision  of  the  local  commanders 
where  they  may  be  found,  and,  in  case  of  a  draft  being  made  by 
their  respective  States,  an  equal  proportion  will  be  drawn  from 
persons  thus  enrolled.  Persons  so  drawn  will  at  once  be 
assigned  to  troops  from  the  States  to  which  they  owe  military 
service,  and  the  executive  thereof  notified  of  such  draft. 

"  2.  All  violation  of  trade  by  army  followers  may  be  punished 
by  confiscation  of  stock  in  trade,  and  the  assignment  of  offenders 
to  do  military  duty  as  private  soldiers. 

"By  command  of  "Major- General  U.  S.  GRANT. 

"JOHN  A.  RAWLINS,  A.  A.  G." 

THE    BATTLE    OP    ITJKA— GENERAL    GRANT'S 
OFFICIAL   REPORT. 

In  the  early  part  of  September,  1862,  the  rebel  forces 
having  been  greatly  strengthened,  commenced  an  advance 
towards  the  positions  occupied  by  General  Grant's  army, 
a  portion  of  their  number  at  the  same  time  being  sent 
northward  to  threaten  Cincinnati.  Their  movements, 
however,  were  well  known  to  General  Grant,  who  made 
such  dispositions  of  his  men  as  would  thwart  their  designs 
in  Tennessee,  and  he  also  sent  several  of  his  regiments  to 
defend  Cincinnati. 


LIFE   OF  GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          79 

On  the  seventeenth  of  September,  1862,  he  ordered  a 
general  advance  towards  luka,  where  the  rebel  General 
Sterling  Price  had  concentrated  his  army,  and  two  days 
later  the  advance  of  General  Hamilton's  division  encoun 
tered  the  enemy's  pickets  and  drove  them  back.  This 
was  the  commencement  of  the  fiercely-contested  battle  of 
luka,  the  official  report  of  which,  made  by  General  Grant 
to  the  War  Department,  was  as  follows : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  WEST  TENNESSEE, 
"  JACKSON,  TENN.,  October  22d,  1862. 

"Colonel  J.  C.  Kelton,  A.  A.  G.,  Washington,  D.  C.: 

"  COLONEL  : — 1  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report 
of  the  battle  of  luka,  and  to  submit  herewith  such  reports  of 
subordinates  as  have  been  received. 

"  For  some  ten  days  or  more  before  the  final  move  of  the  rebel 
army  under  General  Price,  eastward  from  the  Mobile  and  Ohio 
Railroad,  it  was  evident  that  an  attack  upon  Corinth  was  con 
templated,  or  some  change  to  be  made  in  the  location  of  that 
army.  This  caused  great  vigilance  to  be  necessary  on  the  part 
of  our  cavalry,  especially  that  to  the  southern  front  under 
Colonel  Mizuer.  The  labor  of  watching,  with  occasional 
skirmishing,  was  most  satisfactorily  performed,  and  almost 
every  move  of  the  enemy  was  known  as  soon  as  commenced. 

"About  the  llth  of  September,  Price  left  the  railroad,  the  in 
fantry  and  artillery  probably  moving  from  Baldwin,  and  the 
cavalry  from  the  roads  north  of  Baldwin,  toward  Bay  Springs. 
At  the  latter  place  a  halt  of  a  few  days  seems  to  have  been 
made  ;  likely  for  the  purpose  of  collecting  stores,  and  recon- 
noitering  on  eastern  flank.  On  the  13th  of  September,  the 
enemy's  cavalry  made  their  appearance  near  luka,  and  were  re 
pulsed  by  the  small  garrison  under  Colonel  Murphy,  of  the 
Eighth  Wisconsin  infantry,  still  left  there  to  cover  the  removal 
of  stores  not  yet  brought  into  Corinth.  The  enemy  appearing 
again  in  increased  force  on  the  same  day,  and  having  cut  the 
railroad  and  telegraph  between  there  and  Burnsville,  Colonel 
Murphy  thought  it  prudent  to  retire  to  save  his  forces. 

"This  caused  a  considerable  amount  of  commissary  stores  to 
fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  which  property  should  have 
been  destroyed.  Price's  whole  force  soon  congregated  at  luka. 

"  Information  brought  in  by  scouts,  as  to  the  intention  of  the 
enemy,  was  conflicting.  One  report  was,  that  Price  wanted  to 
cross  Bear  creek  and  the  Tennessee  river,  for  the  purpose  of 
crossing  Tennessee  and  getting  into  Kentucky.  Another,  that 
Van  Dorn  was  to  march  by  way  of  Ripley  and  attack  us  on  the 
southwest,  while  Price  should  move  on  us  from  the  east  or  north- 


80  LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES     S.   GRANT. 

west.  A  third,  that  Price  would  endeavor  to  cross  the  Tennes 
see,  and,  if  pursuit  was  attempted,  Van  Dorn  was  in  readiness 
to  attack  Corinth. 

"  Having  satisfied  myself  that  Van  Dorn  could  not  reach 
Corinth  under  four  days,  with  an  army  embracing  all  arms,  I 
determined  to  leave  Corinth  with  a  force  sufficient  to  resist 
cavalry,  and  to  attack  Price  at  luka.  This  I  regarded  as  emi 
nently  my  duty,  let  either  of  the  enemy's  plans  be  tne  correct 
solution.  Accordingly,  on  the  16th,  I  gave  some  general  direc 
tions  as  to  the  plan  of  operations. 

"  General  Rosecrans  was  to  move  on  the  south  side  of  the 
railroad  to  opposite  luka,  and  attack  from  that  side  with  all  his 
available  force,  after  leaving  a  sufficient  force  at  Rienzi  and 
Jacinto,  to  prevent  the  surprise  on  Corinth  from  that  direction. 

"  Major-Geueral  Ord  was  to  move  to  Burnsville,  and  from 
there  take  roads  north  of  the  railroad  and  attack  from  that  side. 
General  Ord  having  to  leave  from  his  two  divisions,  already  very 
much  reduced  in  numbers,  from  long-continued  service  and  the 
number  of  battles  they  had  been  in,  the  garrison  at  Corinth  ;  he 
also  had  one  regiment  of  infantry  and  a  "squadron  of  cavalry  at 
Kossuth,  one  regiment  of  infantry  and  one  company  of  cavalry 
at  Cheuvall,  and  one  regiment  of  infantry  that  moved,  under 
Colonel  Mower,  and  joined  General  Rosecrans'  command,  re 
duced  the  number  of  men  of  his  command,  available  to  the  ex 
pedition,  to  about  30,000. 

"  I  had  previously  ordered  the  infantry  of  General  Ross'  com 
mand  at  Bolivar  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  move  at  a 
moment's  warning ;  had  also  directed  the  concentration  of  cars 
at  Jackson  to  move  these  troops. 

"  Within  twenty-four  hours  from  the  time  a  despatch  left  Corinth 
for  those  troops  to  '  come  on,'  they  had  arrived — 3,400  in  num 
ber.  This,  notwithstanding  the  locomotive  was  thrown  off  the 
track  on  the  Mississippi  Central  Road,  preventing  the  passage 
of  other  trains  for  several  hours.  This  force  was  added  to  Gen 
eral  Ord's  command,  making  his  entire  strength  over  6,000  to 
take  into  the  field.  From  this  force  two  regiments  of  infantry 
and  one  section  of  artillery  were  taken,  about  nine  hundred 
men,  for  the  garrison  or  rear  guard,  to  be  held  at  Burnsville. 
Not  having  General  Ord's  report,  these  figures  may  not  be  ac 
curate.  General  Rosecrans  was  moving  from  Jacinto  eastward, 
with  about  9,000  men,  making  my  total  force  with  which  to 
attack  the  enemy  about  15,000.  This  was  equal  to  or  greater 
than  their  number,  as  I  estimated  them. 

"  General  RDsecrans,  at  his  suggestion,  acquiesced  in  by  me, 
was  to  move  northward  from  his  eastern  march  in  two  columns 
— one,  under  Hamilton,  was  to  move  up  the  Fulton  and  Kast- 
port  road  ;  the  other,  under  Stanley,  on  the  Jaciuto  road  from 
Barnett's. 

"  On  the  18th,  General  Ord's  command  was  pushed  forward, 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.  81 

driving1  in  the  enemy's  pickets  and  capturing  a  few  prisoners, 
taking  position  within  six  miles  of  luka.  I  expected,  from  the 
following  despatch,  that  General  llosecrans  would  be  near 
enough  by  the  night  of  the  18th  to  make  it  safe  for  Ord  to 
press  forward  on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  and  bring  on  an  en 
gagement  : 

"  'September  l&th,  1862. 
"  'To  GENERAL  GRANT: 

"'One  of  my  spies,  in  from  Reardou's,  on  the  Bay  Spring 
Road,  tells  of  a  continuous  movement,  since  last  Friday,  of 
forces  eastward.  They  say  Van  Dorn  is  to  defend  Vicksburg, 
Breckinridge  to  make  liis  way  to  Kentucky,  Price  to  attack  luka 
or  go  to  Tennessee.  If  Price's  forces  are  at  luka,  the  plan  I 
propose  is,  to  move  up  as  close  as  we  can  to-night,  conceal  our 
movements  ;  Ord  to  advance  from  Burnsville,  commence  the 
attack,  and  draw  their  attention  that  way,  while  I  move  in  on 
the  Jacinto  and  Fulton  road,  and,  crushing  in  their  left,  cut  off 
their  retreat  eastward. 

"  '  I  propose  to  leave,  in  ten  minutes,  for  Jacinto,  whence  I 
will  despatch  you  by  line  of  videttes  to  Burnsville.  Will  wait 
a  few  minutes  to  hear  from  you  before  I  start.  What  news  from 
Burnsville  ? 

"  '  Signed  :  "  '  W.  S.  ROSECRANS, 

"  'Brigadier-  General.1 

"To  which  I  sent  the  following  reply: 

"  'HEAD-QUARTERS,  DISTRICT  WEST  TENNESSEE, 
"  'BURNSVILLE,  Miss.,  September  18th,  1862. 
"  '  GENERAL  ROSECRANS  : 

"  'General  Ross'  command  is  at  this  place,  McArthur's  divi 
sion  is  north  of  the  road,  two  miles  to  the  rear,  and  Davis' 
division  south  of  the  road,  north.  I  sent  forward  two  regiments 
of  infantry,  with  cavalry,  by  the  road  north  of  the  railroad  to 
ward  luka,  witb  instructions  for  them  to  bivouac  for  the  night 
at  a  point,  which  was  designated,  about  four  miles  from  here, 
if  not  interrupted,  and  have  the  cavalry  feel  where  the  enemy 
are.  Before  they  reached  the  point  on  the  road  (yon  will  see  it 
on  the  map — the  road  north  of  the  railroad),  they  met  what  was 
supposed  to  be  Armstrong's  cavalry.  The  rebel  cavalry  were 
forced  back,  and  I  sent  instructions  there  to  have  them  stop  for 
the  night  where  they  thought  they  could  safely  hold. 

"'In  the  morning  troops  will  advance  from  here  at  4|  A.M. 
An  anonymous  despatch,  just  received,  states  that  Price,  Ma- 
gruder,  and  Breckinridge  have  a  force  of  60,000  between  luka 
and  Tupelo.  This,  I  have  no  doubt,  is  the  understanding  of 
citizens,  but  I  very  much  doubt  this  information  being  correct. 
Your  reconnoissances  prove  that  there  is  but  little  force  south 
of  Corinth  for  a  long  distance,  and  no  great  force  between  Bay 
Spring  and  the  railroad.  Make  as  rapid  an  advance  as  you  cau, 
and  let  us  do  to-morrow  all  we  can.  It  may  be  necessary  to 


82          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT, 

fall  back  the  day  following.  I  look  upon  the  showing  of  a 
cavalry  force  so  near  us  as  an  indication  of  a  retreat,  and  they 
a  force  to  cover  it 

'"Signed:  "' U.  S.  GRANT, 

"  '  Major-  General.1 

"After  midnight  the  following  despatch  was  received : 

"'HEAD-QUARTERS,  ENCAMPMENT,  Sept.  18th,  1862. 
"  '  GENERAL  : — Your  despatch  received.  General  Stanley's  divi 
sion  arrived  after  dark,  having  heen  detained  by  falling  in  the 
rear  of  Ross  through  fault  of  guide.  Our  cavalry  six  miles  this 
side  of  Burnett's  ;  Hamilton's  First  brigade  eight,  Second  brigade 
nine  miles  this  side  ;  Stanley's  near  Davenport's  Mills.  We  shall 
move  as  early  as  practicable  :  say  4J  A.M.  This  will  give  twenty 
miles  march  for  Stanley  to  luka.  Shall  not,  therefore,  be  in 
before  one  or  two  o'clock,  but  when  we  come  in  will  endeavor 
to  do  it  strongly. 

"  '  Signed :  "  '  W.  S.  ROSBCRAKS, 

"'Brigadier- General  U.  S.  A.1 

"Receiving  this  despatch,  as  I  did,  late  at  night,  and  when  I 
supposed  these  troops  were  far  on  their  way  toward  luka,  and 
had  made  my  plans  accordingly,  caused  some  disappointment,  and 
made  a  change  of  plans  necessary.  I  immediately  despatched 
General  Ord,  giving  him  the  substance  of  the  above,  and  direc 
tions  not  to  move  on  the  enemy  until  Bosecrans  arrived,  or  he 
should  hear  firing  to  the  south  of  luka.  Of  this  change  Gen 
eral  Bosecrans  was  promptly  informed  by  despatch,  sent  with 
his  return  messenger.  During  the  day  General  Ord  returned  to 
my  head-quarters  at  luka,  and,  in  consultation,  we  both  agreed 
that  it  would  be  impossible  for  General  Bosecrans  to  get  his 
troops  up  in  time  to  make  an  attack  that  day.  The  General 
was  instructed,  however,  to  move  forward,  driving  in  the  enemy's 
advance  guards,  but  not  to  bring  on  an  engagement  unless  he 
should  hear  firing.  At  night  another  despatch  was  received 
from  General  Bosecrans,  dated  from  Burnett's,  about  eight  miles 
from  luka,  written  at  12.40  P.M.,  stating,  that  the  head  of  the 
column  had  arrived  there  at  12  M.  Owing  to  the  density  of  the 
forests,  and  the  difficulties  of  passing  the  small  streams  and 
bottoms,  all  communications  between  General  Bosecrans  and 
myself  had  to  pass  far  around — near  Jacinto — even  after  he  had 
got  on  the  road  leading  north.  For  this  reason  his  communica 
tion  was  not  received  until  after  the  engagement.  I  did  not 
hear  of  the  engagement,  however,  until  the  next  day,  although 
the  following  despatch  had  been  promptly  forwarded : 

"  l  HEAD-QUARTERS,  ARMY  OP  THE  MISSISSIPPI, 
"  'Two  MILES  SOUTH  OF  IUKA,  Sept.  19th,  1862,  10|  P.M. 
"'GENERAL: — We  met  the  enemy  in  just  about  this  point. 
The  engagement  lasted  several  hours.     We  have  lost  two  or 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          83 

three  pieces  of  artillery.  Firing  was  very  heavy.  You  must 
attack  in  the  morning,  and  in  force.  The  ground  is  horrid — 
unknown  to  us,  and  no  room  for  development — couldn't  use 
our  artillery  at  all  ;  fired  but  few  shots.  Push  in  on  to  them 
until  we  can  have  time  to  do  something.  We  will  try  to  get  a 
position  on  our  right,  which  will  take  luka. 

"  '  Signed  :  "  '  W.  S.  ROSECRANS, 

"'Brigadier- General,  U.  S.  A.1 

"  This  despatch  was  received  at  8.35  A.M.,  on  the  20th,  and  the 
following  was  immediately  sent : 

"  'BURNSVILLE,  Sept.  20th,  1862,  8.35  A.  M. 
"  '  GENERAL  ORD  : 

"  'Get  your  troops  up  and  attack  as  soon  as  possible.  Rose- 
crans  had  two  hours'  fighting  last  night,  and  now  this  morning 
again,  and.  unless  you  can  create  a  diversion  in  his  favor,  he 
may  find  his  hands  full. 

"  'Hurry  up  your  troops — all  possible. 

"  'Signed:  "  '  U.  S.  GRANT, 

' ' ' Major-  General.  * 

"  The  statement  that  the  engagement  had  commenced  again 
in  the  morning  was  on  the  strength  of  hearing  artillery.  Gen 
eral  Ord,  hearing  the  same,  however,  pushed  on  with  all  possible 
despatch,  without  awaiting  orders. 

"Two  of  my  staff—  Colonels  Dickey  and  Logan — had  gone 
around  to  where  General  Rosecrans  was,  and  were  with  him 
during  the  early  part  of  the  engagement.  Returning  in  the 
dark,  and  endeavoring  to  out  off  some  of  the  distance,  they  be 
came  lost  and  entangled  in  the  woods,  and  remained  out  over 
night,  arriving  at  head-quarters  next  morning  about  the  same 
hour  that  General  Rosecrans'  messenger  arrived.  For  the 
particular  troops  engaged,  and  the  part  taken  by  each  regiment, 
I  will  have  to  refer  you  entirely  to  the  accompanying  report  of 
those  officers  who  were  present. 

"  Not  occupying  luka  afterward  for  any  length  of  time,  and 
then  not  until  a  force  sufficient  to  give  protection  for  any  great 
distance  arrived  (the  battle  was  fought  about  two  miles  out),  I 
cannot  accompany  this  with  a  topographical  map.  I  send,  how 
ever,  a  map  snowing  all  the  roads  and  plans  named  in  this  re 
port.  The  country  between  the  road  travelled  by  General  Ord's 
command,  to  some  distance  south  of  the  railroad,  is  impassable 
for  cavalry,  and  almost  so  for  infantry.  It  is  impossible  for 
artillery  to  move  southward  to  the  road  travelled  by  General 
Rosecrans'  command.  Soon  after  despatching  General  Ord, 
word  was  brought  by  one  of  my  staff.  Colonel  Hillyer,  that  the 
enemy  were  in  full  retreat.  I  immediately  proceeded  to  luka, 
and  found  that  the  enemy  had  left  during  the  night,  taking 
every  thing  with  them  except  their  wounded,  and  the  artillery 
taken  by  them  the  evening  before.  Going  south  by  the  Fulton 
road,  Generals  Stanley  and  Hamilton  were  in  pursuit. 


S-i          LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

"  This  was  the  first  I  knew  of  the  Fulton  road ;  with  it  occu 
pied,  no  route  would  have  been  left  them  except  east,  with  the 
difficult  bottom  of  Bear  creek  to  cross,  or  northeast,  with  the 
Tennessee  river  in  their  front,  or  to  conquer  their  way  out.  A 
partial  examination  of  the  country  afterward  convinced  me, 
however,  that  troops  moving  in  separate  columns  by  the  route 
suggested  could  not  support  each  other  until  they  arrived  near 
luka.  On  the  other  hand,  an  attempt  to  retreat,  according  to 
programme,  would  have  brought  General  Ord,  with  his  force,  on 
the  rear  of  the  retreating  column. 

"  For  casualties  and  captures,  see  accompanying  reports. 

"  The  battle  of  luka  foots  up  as  follows  : 

"  On  the  16th  of  September  we  commenced  to  collect  our 
strength  to  move  upon  Price,  at  luka,  in  two  columns ;  the  one 
to  the  right  of  the  railroad  commanded  by  Brigadier-General 
(now  Major-General)  W.  S.  Rosecrans ;  the  one  to  the  left 
commanded  by  Major-General  E.  0.  C.  Ord.  On  the  night  of 
the  18th,  the  latter  was  in  position  to  bring  on  an  engagement 
in  one  hour's  march.  The  former,  from  having  a  greater  dis 
tance  to  march,  and,  through  the  fault  of  a  guide,  was  twenty 
miles  back.  On  the  19th,  by  making  a  rapid  march,  hardy, 
well-disciplined,  and  tried  troops  arrived  within  two  miles  of  the 
place  to  be  attacked.  Unexpectedly  the  enemy  took  the  initia 
tive  and  became  the  attacking  party.  The  ground  chosen  was 
such  that  a  large  force  on  our  side  could  not  be  brought  into 
action  ;  but  the  bravery  and  endurance  of  those  brought  in  was 
such  that,  with  the  skill  and  presence  of  mind  of  the  officer 
commanding,  they  were  able  to  hold  their  ground  till  night 
closed  the  conflict.  During  the  night  the  enemy  fled,  leaving 
our  troops  in  possession  of  the  field,  with  their  dead  to  bury  and 
wounded  to  care  for.  If  it  was  the  object  of  the  enemy  to  make 
their  way  into  Kentucky,  they  were  defeated  in  that;  if  to  hold 
their  position  until  Van  Dorn  could  come  up  on  the  southwest 
of  Corinth,  and  make  a  simultaneous  attack,  they  were  defeated 
in  that.  Our  only  defeat  was  in  not  capturing  the  entire  army, 
or  in  destroying  it,  as  I  had  hoped  to  do. 

"  It  was  a  part  of  General  Hamilton's  command  that  did  the 
fighting,  directed  entirely  by  that  cool  and  deserving  officer.  1 
commend  him  to  the  President  for  acknowledgment  of  his 
services. 

"  During  the  absence  of  these  forces  from  Corinth,  that  post 
was  left  in  charge  of  Brigadier-General  T.  J.  McKean.  The 
southern  front,  from  Jacinto  to  Rienzi,  was  under  the  charge 
of  Colonel  DuBois,  with  a  small  infantry  and  cavalry  force. 
The  service  was  most  satisfactorily  performed,  Colonel  DuBois 
showing  great  vigilance  and  efficiency.  I  was  kept  constantly 
advised  of  the  movements  of  flying  bodies  of  cavalry  that  were 
hovering  in  our  front. 

"  The  wounded,  both  friend  and  enemy,  are  much  indebted  to 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          85 

Surgeon  J.  G.  F.  Holbrook,  Medical  Director,  for  his  untiring 
labor  in  organizing  hospitals  and  providing  for  their  every  want. 

"  I  cannot  close  this  report  without  paying  a  tribute  to  all  the 
officers  and  soldiers  comprising  this  command.  Their  conduct 
on  the  march  was  exemplary,  and  all  were  eager  to  meet  the 
enemy.  The  possibility  of  defeat  I  do  not  think  entered  the 
mind  of  a  single  individual,  and  I  believe  this  same  feeling  now 
pervades  the  entire  army  which  I  have  the  honor  to  command. 

"  I  neglected  to  mention,  in  the  proper  connection,  that,  to 
cover  our  movements  from  Corinth,  and  to  attract  the  attention 
of  the  enemy  in  another  direction,  I  ordered  a  movement  from 
Bolivar  toward  Holly  Springs.  This  was  conducted  by  Briga 
dier-General  Lauman, 

"  Before  completing  this  report  the  report  of  Major-General 
Ord  was  received,  and  accompanies  this. 

"  I  am,  Colonel,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"U.  S.  GRANT, 
"Major-  General" 

On  the  twenty-second  of  September,  1862,  General  Grant 
issued  the  following  complimentary  order  to  his  victorious 
troops  : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  WEST  TENNESSEE, 

"  CORINTH,  September  22d,  1862. 
["General  Field  Orders,  No.  1.] 

"  The  General  Commanding  takes  great  pleasure  in  congratu 
lating  the  two  wings  of  the  army,  commanded  respectively  by 
Major-General  Ord  and  Major-General  Rosecrans,  upon  the 
energy,  alacrity,  and  bravery  displayed  by  them  on  the  19th  and 
20th  inst.,  in  their  movement  against  the  enemy  at  luka. 
Although  the  enemy  was  in  numbers  reputed  far  greater  than 
their  own,  nothing  was  evinced  by  the  troops  but  a  burning 
desire  to  meet  him,  whatever  his  numbers,  and  however  strong 
his  position. 

"  With  such  a  disposition  as  was  manifested  by  the  troops  on 
this  occasion,  their  commanders  need  never  fear  defeat  against 
any  thing  but  overwhelming  numbers. 

"  While  it  was  the  fortune  of  the  command  of  General  Rose 
crans,  on  the  evening  of  the  19th  inst.,  to  engage  the  enemy  in 
a  most  spirited  fight  for  more  than  two  hours,  driving  him  with 
great  loss  from  his  position,  and  winning  for  themselves  fresh 
laurels,  the  command  of  General  Ord  is  entitled  to  equal  credit 
for  their  efforts  in  trying  to  reach  the  enemy,  and  in  diverting 
his  attention. 

"And  while  congratulating  the  noble  living,  it  is  meet  to  offer 
our  condolence  to  the  friends  of  the  heroic  dead,  who  offered 


86          LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GKANT. 

their  lives  a  sacrifice  in  defence  of  constitutional  liberty,  and  in 
their  fall  rendered  memorable  the  field  of  luka. 

"  By  command  of         "MAJOR- GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 
"JoHN  A.  KAWLINS,  A.  A.-G." 

THE    BATTLE    OP    CORINTH. 

From  Corinth,  General  Grant  removed  his  head-quarters 
a  few  days  after  the  battle  to  Jackson,  from  which  place 
he  gave  the  orders  necessary  to  thwart  the  plans  of  the 
rebels,  who  were  again  concentrating  with  a  view  of  act 
ing  upon  the  offensive,  and  make  a  desperate  attempt  to 
recapture  Corinth  and  other  important  points,  and  drive 
our  army  from  Northern  Mississippi. 

Frequent  reconnoissances  had  made  the  Union  com 
mander  cognizant  of  every  movement  of  the  enemy;  and 
when  early  in  October  they  commenced  their  advance,  his 
troops  were  admirably  posted  and  prepared  to  meet  the 
shock.  Before  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  fourth  of 
October,  the  forces  under  Price,  Yan  Dora  and  Lovell, 
commenced  an.  attack  upon  the  defences  at  Corinth,  but  it 
was  after  nine  o'clock  before  the  battle  began  in  earnest. 
General  Grant  was  in  telegraphic  communication  with  all 
his  subordinate  commanders,  and  was  thus  enabled  to 
promptly  move  the  different  divisions  of  his  army  from 
point  to  point  as  circumstances  required.  The  battle  of 
luka  was  really  as  much  a  part  of  the  battle  of  Corinth  as 
South  Mountain  was  of  Antietam.  The  rebel  General 
Price  had  supposed  that  General  Grant  would  have  been 
compelled  to  withdraw  his  forces  from  Corinth  on  the 
nineteenth  of  September  to  reinforce  those  who  were  con 
tending  at  luka,  when  Van  Dorn  would  have  attacked 
and  captured  Corinth,  but  General  Grant  was  too  great  a 
strategist  not  to  understand  the  movement,  and  frustrated 
the  plan  by  sending  General  Ord  to  that  point.  The 
battle  of  Corinth  really  lasted  only  about  two  hours,  but 
short  as  was  the  time,  the  conflict  was  of  the  most  san- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.  87 

guinary  character.  Officers  and  men  alike  behaved  with 
most  distinguished  gallantry,  and  although  the  enemy 
numbered  about  forty  thousand,  and  their  opponents  not 
more  than  half  that  number,  they  were  beaten  back  with 
terrific  slaughter,  and  fled  from  the  field,  leaving  their 
dead  and  wounded.  The  rebel  loss  in  killed,  wounded 
and  prisoners  was  nearly  ten  thousand ;  our  own  not 
much  more  than  one-fifth  that  enormous  aggregate,  while 
among  other  captures  we  secured  nearly  four  thousand 
stand  of  arms,  two  pieces  of  artillery,  and  fourteen  stand 
of  colors. 

The  services  of  his  army  in  this  second  great  battle 
were  thus  officially  recognized  by  General  Grant : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  WEST  TENN., 
"JACKSON,  TENN.,  October  1th,  1862. 

"  It  is  with  heartfelt  gratitude  the  General  Commanding  con 
gratulates  the  armies  of  the  West  for  another  great  victory  won 
by  them  on  the  3d,  4th,  and  5th  instants,  over  the  combined 
armies  of  Van  Dorn,  Price,  and  Lovell. 

"  The  enemy  chose  his  own  time  and  plan  of  attack,  and 
knowing  the  troops  of  the  West  as  he  does,  and  with  great 
facilities  for  knowing  their  numbers,  never  would  have  made  the 
attempt  except  with  a  superior  force  numerically.  But  for  the 
undaunted  bravery  of  officers  and  soldiers,  who  have  yet  to  learn 
defeat,  the  efforts  of  the  enemy  must  have  proven  successful. 

"  Whilst  one  division  of  the  army,  under  Major-General  Rose- 
crans,  was  resisting  and  repelling  the  onslaught  of  the  rebel 
hosts  at  Corinth,  another  from  Bolivar,  under  Major-General 
Hurlbut,  was  marching  upon  the  enemy's  rear,  driving  in  their 
pickets  and  cavalry,  and  attracting  the  attention  of  a  large  force 
of  infantry  and  artillery.  On  the  following  day,  under  Major- 
General  Ord,  these  forces  advanced  with  unsurpassed  gallantry, 
driving  the  enemy  back  across  the  Hatchie,  over  ground  where 
it  is  almost  incredible  that  a  superior  force  should  be  driven  by 
an  inferior,  capturing  two  of  the  batteries  (eight  guns),  many 
hundred  small  arms,  and  several  hundred  prisoners. 

"  To  those  two  divisions  of  the  army  all  praise  is  due,  and  will 
be  awarded  by  a  grateful  country. 

"  Between  them  there  should  be,  and  I  trust  are,  the  warmest 
bonds  of  brotherhood.  Each  was  risking  life  in  the  same  cause, 
and,  on  this  occasion,  risking  it  also  to  save  and  assist  the  other. 
No  troops  could  do  more  than  these  separate  armies.  Each  did 
all  possible  for  it  to  do  in  the  places  assigned  it. 


88  LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

"As  in  all  great  battles,  so  in  this,  it  becomes  our  fate  to 
mourn  the  loss  of  many  brave  and  faithful  officers  and  soldiers 
who  have  given  up  their  lives  as  a  sacrifice  for  a  great  principle. 
The  nation  mourns  for  them. 

"  By  command  of  "  MAJOR-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 

11  JOHN  A.  BAWLINS,  A.  A.-G." 

On  the  following  day  the  subjoined  despatch  was  pub* 
lished  for  the  information  of  the  troops  : 

"  WASHINGTON,  D.  0.,  October  8th,  1862. 
"  MAJOR-GENERAL  GRANT  : 

"  I  congratulate  yon  and  all  concerned  in  your  recent  battles 
and  victories.  How  does  it  all  sum  up  ?  I  especially  regret 
the  death  of  General  Hackleman,  and  am  very  anxious  to  know 
the  condition  of  General  Oglesby,  who  is  an  intimate  personal 
friend.  "A.  LINCOLN. 

"  By  command  of  "  MAJOR-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 

"  JOHN  A.  RAWLINS, 

"Assistant  Adjutant- General." 

After  the  battle,  the  rebels  were  pursued  in  force  about 
forty  miles,  but  their  flight  was  so*  rapid  that  it  was 
impossible  to  overtake  them,  and  further  pursuit  was 
suspended. 

HE    ASSUMES    COMMAND    OF    THE    DEPART 
MENT    OF    THE    TENNESSEE. 

On  the  sixteenth  of  October,  1862,  General  Grant's 
Department  was  extended  so  as  to  embrace  the  State  of 
Mississippi  as  far  as  Yicksburg,  and  on  assuming  com 
mand  he  issued  the  following  orders  : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  TENNESSEE, 

"  JACKSON,  TENN.,  October  25th,  1862. 
["General  Orders,  No.  1.] 

"  I.  In  compliance  with  General  Orders,  No.  159,  A.  G.  O., 
War  Department,  of  date  October  16th,  1862,  the  undersigned 
hereby  assumes  command  of  the  Department  of  the  Tennessee, 
which  includes  Cairo,  Fort  Henry  and  Fort  Donelson,  Northern 
Mississippi,  and  the  portions  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  west 
of  the  Tennessee  river. 

"  II.  Head-quarters  of  the  Department  of  the  Tennessee  will 
remain,  until  further  orders,  at  Jackson,  Tennessee. 

"  III.  All  orders  of  the  District  of  West  Tennessee  will  con 
tinue  in  force  iu  the  Department.  "  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Major-General  Commanding" 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.  89 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  TENNESSEE, 
"JACKSON,  TENN.,  October  26//i,  1862. 

["General  Orders,  No.  2.] 

"  I.  The  geographical  divisions  designated  in  General  Orders, 
No.  83,  from  Head-quarters,  District  of  West  Tennessee,  dated 
September  24th,  1862,  will  hereafter  be  known  as  districts.  The 
First  Division  will  constitute  the  '  District  of  Memphis,' 
Major-General  W.  T.  Sherman  commanding ;  the  Second 
Division,  the  '  District  of  Jackson,'  commanded  by  Major- 
General  S.  A.  Hurlbut ;  the  Third  Division,  the  '  District  of 
Corinth.'  Brigadier-General  0.  S.  Hamilton  commanding ;  the 
Fourth  Division,  the  'District  of  Columbus,'  commanded  by 
Brigadier-General  T.  A.  Davies. 

"  II.  The  army  heretofore  known  as  the  'Army  of  the  Missis 
sippi,'  being  now  divided  and  in  different  departments,  will  be 
continued  as  a  separate  army. 

"  III.  Until  army  corps  are  formed,  there  will  be  no  distinc 
tion  known,  except  those  of  departments,  districts,  divisions, 
posts,  brigades,  regiments  and  companies. 

"  By  command  of         "  MAJOR-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 

"JOHN  A.  EAWLINS,  A.  A.-G." 

On  the  first  of  November  he  issued  a  lengthy  order 
establishing  certain  important  regulations  in  regard  to  the 
movement  of  trains,  limiting  the  allowance  of  baggage 
and  camp  equipage,  and  otherwise  placing  his  army  in 
such  a  condition  that  it  could  move  in  the  enemy's  country 
with  the  greatest  activity,  and  not  be  encumbered  with 
long  lines  of  wagons,  as  has  too  frequently  been  the  case 
during  the  progress  of  the  rebellion. 

IMPOBTANT    BECONNOISSANCES    AND    SKIR 
MISHES. 

A  day  or  two  before  this  last  order  was  issued,  a  large 
body  of  cavalry  had  made  a  successful  reconnoissance  below 
Ripley,  and  had  occupied  that  place  and  Orizaba,  and  on 
the  fourth  of  November,  General  Grant,  with  several  divi 
sions  of  the  army,  occupied  La  Grange,  and  established 
his  head-quarters  there. 

On  the  eighth  of  November,  1862,  he  ordered  a  force, 
consisting  of  about  ten  thousand  infantry  under  command 
of  General  McPhersori,  and  about  fifteen  hundred  cavalry 


90          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GKANT. 

tinder  Colonel  Lee,  to  make  a  reconnoissance  for  the  pur 
pose  of  ascertaining  the  exact  position  of  the  enemy. 
Near  Lamar,  a  village  about  twelve  miles  south  of  La 
Grange,  the  cavalry  encountered  the  enemy's  pickets,  and 
soon  afterwards  a  force  of  cavalry,  whom,  after  a  short 
skirmish,  they  drove  into  the  hills.  One  portion  of  Colonel 
Lee's  force  was  subsequently  sent  down  towards  Hudson- 
ville,  while  he  himself,  with  about  seven  hundred  of  his 
men,  attacked  the  rebels  and  compelled  them  to  retreat, 
leaving  their  dead  and  wounded  in  our  hands.  For  his 
gallant  conduct  on  this  and  several  previous  occasions, 
Colonel  Lee  was  recommended  by  General  Grant  for  pro 
motion. 

On  the  ninth  of  November,  stringent  orders  were  issued, 
having  for  their  object  the  prevention  of  depredations  by 
the  troops,  and  authorizing  the  stoppage  of  the  pay  of  en 
tire  divisions  for  the  full  amount  of  damages  committed 
by  any  soldier  to  whom  the  act  could  not  be  definitely 
traced.  On  the  eleventh  of  the  month  the  officers  of  Gen 
eral  Grant's  staff  were  officially  announced  ;  on  the  four 
teenth,  a  camp  for  the  reception  of  fugitive  slaves  was 
established  at  Grand  Junction  ;  two  days  later,  one  of  the 
provisions  of  the  order  of  the  ninth  was  enforced,  by  the 
levy  of  about  twelve  hundred  dollars  upon  the  Twentieth 
Illinois  regiment,  to  reimburse  certain  store-keepers  for 
property  stolen  and  injured  by  a  portion  of  the  regiment, 
the  identity  of  the  actual  criminals  being  undiscovered ; 
and  on  the  nineteenth,  an  order  was  promulgated,  requiring 
persons,  before  purchasing  cotton  or  other  Southern  pro 
ducts,  to  have  a  special  permit  from  the  local  Provost- 
Marsh al ;  prohibiting  purchasers  from  going  beyond  the 
lines  to  trade  ;  and  granting  licenses  to  loyal  persons  within 
the  Department  to  keep  for  sale  to  residents  who  have 
taken  the  oath  of  allegiance,  articles  "  of  prime  necessity 
for  families. " 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.  91 


ADVANCE  OF  THE  ARMY-RECONNCtfSSANCES 
AND  SKIRMISHES. 

On  the  twenty-eighth  of  November,  1862,  a  force  of 
cavalry  and  infantry,  which  had  started  the  day  before 
from  Helena,  Arkansas,  under  command  of  Generals  A. 
P.  Hovey  and  Washburne,  arrived  at  a  point  on  the  Mis 
sissippi  river  near  the  mouth  of  the  Yazoo  Pass ;  and  a 
reconnoitering  party  was  immediately  sent  out,  which  cap 
tured  a  rebel  camp,  routed  its  occupants,  and  from  thence 
moved  along  the  Coldwater  and  Tallahatchie  rivers.  An 
expedition  was  also  sent  to  Garner's  Station,  where  the 
railroad  track  and  bridge  were  destroyed.  Other  import 
ant  and  equally  successful  reconrioissances  were  made 
about  the  same  time. 

On  the  same  day  the  advance  of  General  Grant's  main 
army  left  Davis's  Mills  for  Holly  Springs,  and  passing 
through  the  latter  place,  arrived  near  Waterford  on  the  thir 
tieth,  when  a  skirmish  took  place,  resulting  in  the  retreat 
of  the  enemy  within  their  defences.  On  the  second  of 
December,  Abbeville  was  occupied  by  the  Union  troops  ; 
on  the  third,  several  skirmishes  occurred  near  Oxford  ;  on 
the  fourth,  the  rebels  were  driven  from  Water  Yalley  ;  and 
on  the  fifth,  a  severe  engagement,  lasting  several  hours, 
and  which  was  not  attended  with  the  same  success  which 
had  rewarded  the  gallantry  of  our  troops  on  the  previous 
days,  was  fought  near  Coffeeville,  Mississippi.  On  the 
twelfth,  the  enemy  were  repulsed  near  Corinth,  but  eight 
days  later  they  gained  a  victory  over  the  garrison  at  Holly 
Springs,  and  compelled  a  surrender.  Other  towns  in  the 
real  of  General  Grant's  army  were  also  attacked,  but  un 
successfully.  The  surrender  of  Holly  Springs  seriously 
interfered  with  his  plans,  and  he  was  compelled  to  fall 
back  to  that  place,  from  whence  he  issued  the  following 
orders : 


92  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  13'rn  ARMY  CORPS, 

"DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  TENNESSEE. 
"  HOLLY  SPRINGS,  Miss.,  December  24th,  1862. 

"  It  is  with  pain  and  mortification  that  the  General  Com 
manding  reflects  upon  the  disgraceful  surrender  of  the  place, 
with  all  the  valuable  stores  it  contained,  on  the  20th  inst.,  and 
that  without  any  resistance  except  by  a  few  men,  who  formed 
an  honorable  exception  ;  and  this,  too,  after  warning  had  been 
given  of  the  enemy  northward,  the  evening  previous.  With 
all  the  cotton,  public  stores,  and  substantial  buildings  about  the 
depot  it  would  have  been  perfectly  practical  to  have  made,  in  a 
few  hours,  a  defence  sufficient  to  resist,  with  a  small  garrison, 
all  the  cavalry  force  brought  against  them  until  the  reinforce 
ments  which  the  commanding  officer  was  notified  were  marching 
to  his  relief  could  have  reached  him. 

"  The  conduct  of  officers  and  men  in  accepting  paroles,  under 
the  circumstances,  is  highly  reprehensible,  and,  to  say  the  least, 
thoughtless.  By  the  terms  of  the  Dix-Hill  cartel  each  party 
is  bound  to  take  care  of  their  prisoners  and  to  send  them  to 
Vicksburg,  or  a  point  on  the  James  river,  for  exchange,  or 
parole,  unless  some  other  point  is  mutually  agreed  upon  by  the 
generals  commanding  the  opposing  armies. 

"  By  a  refusal  to  be  paroled,  the  enemy,  from  his  inability  to 
take  care  of  the  prisoners,  would  have  been  compelled  either  to 
have  refused  them  unconditionally  or  to  have  abandoned  further 
aggressive  movements  for  the  time  being,  which  would  have 
made  their  recapture,  and  the  discomfiture  of  the  enemy  almost 
certain. 

"  The  prisoners  paroled  at  this  place  will  be  collected  in  camp 
at  once  by  the  post  commander,  arid  held  under  close  guard  until 
their  case  can  be  reported  to  Washington  for  further  instructions. 

"  Commanders  throughout  the  department  are  directed  to 
arrest  and  hold  as  above  all  men  of  their  commands  and  all 
stragglers  who  may  have  accepted  their  paroles  upon  like  terms. 

"The  General  Commanding  is  satisfied  that  the  majority  of 
the  troops  who  accepted  a  parole  did  so- thoughtlessly  and  from 
want  of  knowledge  of  the  cartel  referred  to,  and  that  in  future 
they  will  not  be  caught  in  the  same  way. 

"  By  order  of  "  MAJOR-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 

"  JOHN  A.  RAWLINS,  A.  A.-G." 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  TENNESSE-E, 

"  HOLLY  SPRINGS,  Miss.,  January  8th,  1863. 
"  I.  The  Major-General  commanding  the  department  takes 
just  pride  and  satisfaction  in  congratulating  the  small  garrisons 
of  the  posts  of  Coldwater,  Davis's  Mills,  and  Middleburg,  for 
the  heroic  defence  of  their  positions  on  the  20th,  21st,  and  24th 
ultimo,  and  their  successful  repulse  of  an  enemy  many  times 
their  number. 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSKS    S.    GRANT.  93 

"  The  Ninetieth  Illinois,  at  Coldwater  (its  first  engagement) ; 
the  detachment  of  the  veteran  Twenty-fifth  Indiana,  and  two 
companies  of  the  Fifth  Ohio  cavalry,  at  Davis's  Mills  ;  and  the 
detachment  of  the  gallant  Twelfth  Michigan  at  Middleburg,  are 
deserving  of  the  thanks  of  the  army,  which  was  in  a  measure 
dependent  upon  the  road  they  so  nobly  defended  for  supplies, 
and  they  will  receive  the  meed  of  praise  ever  awarded  by  a  grate 
ful  public  to  those  who  bravely  and  successfully  do  their  duty. 

"  These  regiments  are  entitled  to  inscribe  upon  their  banners, 
respectively,  Coldwater,  Davis's  Mills,  and  Middleburg,  with 
the  names  of  other  battle-fields  made  victorious  by  their  valor 
and  discipline. 

"  It  is  gratifying  to  know  that  at  every  point  where  our  troops 
made  a  stand  during  the  late  raid  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  suc 
cess  followed,  and  the  enemy  was  made  to  suffer  a  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded  greater  than  the  entire  garrisons  of  the  places 
attacked.  Especially  was  this  the  case  of  Davis's  Mills  and 
Middleburg.  The  only  success  gained  by  Van  Dorn  was  at 
Holly  Springs,  where  the  whole  garrison  was  left  by  their  com 
mander  in  ignorance  of  the  approach  of  danger. 

"II.  Colonel  K.  0.  Murphy,  of  the  Eighth  Regiment  Wisconsin 
infantry  volunteers,  having,  while  in  command  of  the  post  of 
Holly  Springs,  Mississippi,  neglected  and  failed  to  exercise  the 
usual  and  ordinary  precautions  to  guard  and  protect  the  same  ; 
having,  after  repeated  and  timely  warning  of  the  approach  of 
the  enemy,  failed  to  make  any  preparations  for  resistance  or 
defence,  or  shown  any  disposition  to  do  so  ;  and  having,  with  a 
force  amply  sufficient  to  have  repulsed  the  enemy  and  protect 
the  public  stores  intrusted  to  his  care,  disgracefully  permitted 
him  to  capture  the  post  and  destroy  the  stores— and  the  move 
ment  of  troops  in  the  face  of  an  enemy  rendering  it  impractica 
ble  to  convene  a  court-martial  for  his  trial — is  therefore  dis 
missed  the  service  of  the  United  States — to  take  effect  from  the 
20th  day  of  December,  1862,  the  date  of  his  cowardly  and 
disgraceful  conduct. 

"  By  order  of  "  MAJOR- GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 

"  Jony  A.  RAWLINS,  A.  A.-Gf." 

PREPARATIONS  FOR  THE  ASSAULT  ON  VICKfe- 
BURG— CHANGES  IN  THE  ARMY  ORGANI 
ZATION. 

On  the  twentieth  of  December,  1862,  General  W.  T.  Sher 
man  left  Memphis  with  a  large  force,  composed  entirely  of 
Western  men,  on  an  expedition  towards  Vicksburg,  and 
on  the  following  day  he  arrived  at  Friar's  Point,  about 
eighteen  miles  below  Helena.  A  portion  of  his  command 


94          LIFE    OF   GENEKAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

subsequently  proceeded  to  Delhi  and  Dallas,  on  the  line 
of  the  Vicksburg  and  Texas  railroad,  and  removed  the 
rails  for  the  purpose  of  cutting  off  the  retreat  of  the  enemy  ; 
and  on  the  twenty-sixth,  his  main  forces  landed  at  John 
ston's  Landing,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Yazoo,  and  prepared 
for  an  immediate  assault  upon  the  northern  line  of  works 
at  Vicksburg.  By  an  order  of  the  commanding-general, 
the  following  changes  were  made  in  the  army  organiza 
tion  : — The  troops  in  the  Department  of  the  Tennessee, 
including  those  of  the  Department  of  the  Missouri  operating 
on  the  Mississippi  river,  were  divided  into  four  army  corps-, 
as  follows : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  TENNESSEE, 
"  HOLLY  SPRINGS,  Miss.,  Dec.  '22nd,  1862. 

"  By  directions  of  the  General-in-Chief  of  the  army,  the  troops 
in  this  department,  including  those  of  the  Department  of  the 
Missouri  operating  on  the  Mississippi  river,  are  hereby  divided 
into  four  army  corps,  as  follows  : 

"  1.  The  troops  composing  the  Ninth  division,  Brigadier- 
General  G.  W.  Morgan  commanding  ;  the  Tenth  division,  Briga 
dier-General  A.  J.  Smith  commanding;  and  all  other  troops 
operating  on  the  Mississippi  river  below  Memphis,  not  included 
in  the  Fifteenth  army  corps,  will  constitute  the  Thirteenth  army 
corps,  under  the  command  of  Major-Geueral  John  A.  McCler- 
nand. 

"2.  The  Fifth  division,  Brigadier-General  Morgan  L.  Smith 
commanding;  the  division  from  Helena,  Arkansas,  commanded 
by  Brigadier-General  F.  Steele  ;  and  the  forces  in  the  'District 
of  Memphis,'  will  constitute  the  Fifteenth  army  corps,  and  be 
commanded  by  Major-General  W.  T.  Sherman. 

"  3.  The  Sixth  division,  Brigadier-General  J.  McArthur  com 
manding;  the  Seventh  division,  Brigadier-General  I.  F.  Quinby 
commanding;  the  Eighth  division,  Brigadier-General  L.  F.  Ross 
commanding;  the  Second  brigade  of  cavalry,  Colonel  A.  L.  Lee 
commanding  ;  and  the  troops  in  the  '  District  of  Columbus,'  com 
manded  by  Brigadier-General  Davics.  and  those  in  the  '  District 
of  Jackson,'  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  Sullivan,  will 
constitute  the  Sixteenth  army  corps,  and  be  commanded  by 
Major-General  S.  A.  Hurlbut. 

"  4.  The  First  division,  Brigadier-General  J.  W.  Denver  com 
manding;  the  Third  division,  Brigadier-General  John  A.  Logan 
commanding;  the  Fourth  division,  Brigadier-General  J.  G.  Lau- 
man  commanding ;  the  First  brigade  of  cavalry,  Colonel  B.  H. 


LIFE   OF    GKNEKA.L    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.  95 

Grie-rson  commanding  ;  and  the  forces  in  the  '  District  of  Corinth,' 
commanded  by  Brigadier-General  G.  M.  Dodge,  will  constitute 
the  Seventeenth  army  corps,  and  be  commanded  by  Major- 
General  J.  B.  McPherson. 

"District  commanders  will  sand  consolidated  returns  of  their 
forces  to  these  head-quarters,  as  well  as  to  the  army  head-quar 
ters,  and  will,  for  the  present,  receive  orders  from  Department 
head-quarters. 

"  By  order  of  "  MAJOR-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 

"  JOHN  A.  RAWLINS,  A.  A.-G." 

The  divisions  of  Generals  McArthur  and  Quinby  were 
subsequently  transferred  from  the  Sixteenth  to  the  Seven 
teenth  corps,  and  those  of  Generals  Denver  and  Laurnan, 
from  the  Seventeenth  to  the  Sixteenth. 

On  the  twenty-seventh  of  December,  the  "Right  Wing  of 
the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,"  as  General  Sherman's  com 
mand  was  termed,  advanced  upon  the  enemy's  works,  and  on 
the  following  day  a  general  attack  was  made  ;  but  the 
enemy  being  reinforced,  and  the  disgraceful  surrender  of 
Holly  Springs  having  prevented  General  Grant  from 
moving  to  General  Sherman's  support  as  had  been  ar 
ranged,  the  assault  was  repelled  with  heavy  loss,  as  was 
also  the  case  on  the  next  day,  and  General  Sherman  was 
compelled  reluctantly  to  re-embark  his  troops. 

General  McClernand  arrived  soon  afterwards,  and  rank 
ing  General  Sherman,  gave  orders  to  that  officer  to  with 
draw  from  the  Yazoo  river.  Early  in  January,  1863,  the 
"  Right  Wing  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee"  had  its  title 
changed  to  that  of  "The  Army  of  the  Mississippi,"  and 
was  divided  into  two  corps — one  to  be  commanded  by 
General  Sherman,  and  the  other  by  General  G.  W.  Mor 
gan.  These  two  corps,  a  week  later,  accompanied  by 
gunboats,  went  up  the  Arkansas  and  White  rivers,  and  a 
short  but  severe  engagement  took  place,  terminating  in 
the  fall  of  the  rebel  Fort  Hindman  at  Arkansas  Post. 
This  work  accomplished,  the  corps  rejoined  General  Grant, 
who  had  his  head-quarters  at  that  time  at  Memphis. 


V'O  LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

THE  WILLIAMS'  CANAL-THE  QUEEN  OF  THE 
WEST  AND  mBIANOLA. 

On  the  twenty-ninth  of  January,  1863,  a  portion  of  the 
army  was  landed  at  Young's  Point,  Louisiana,  where  the 
commanding  general  established  his  head-quarters,  and  an 
other  portion  at  Milliken's  Bend,  and  immediate  prepara 
tions  were  made  for  an  attack  upon  Yicksburg.  To  flank 
the  works  upon  the  south  side  of  the  city  was  considered  the 
only  plan  which  promised  success,  and  a  large  force  was 
placed  at  work  to  re-open  the  canal  across  the  peninsula, 
on  the  Louisiana  side  of  the  river,  first  commenced  by 
General  Williams,  a  gallant  officer,  who  was  subsequently 
killed  at  Baton  Rouge.  The  work  was  prosecuted  ener 
getically  until  the  eighth  of  March,  when  unfortunately 
the  dam  at  the  end  of  the  canal  was  broken  in  by  the  over 
flow  of  the  river  and  the  enterprise  was  abandoned. 

Early  in  February,  1863,  the  ram  Queen  of  the  West, 
under  command  of  Colonel  Charles  R.  Ellet,  ran  past  the 
batteries  at  Yicksburg,  and  proceeding  up  the  Red  and 
Atchafalaya  rivers,  destroyed  a  large  amount  of  valuable 
stores  and  captured  a  steamer  belonging  to  the  rebels. 
On  the  evening  of  the  fourteenth,  he  attacked  three  rebel 
steamers,  but  the  pilot  running  the  ram  aground  within 
easy  range  of  the  enemy's  guns,  it  became  so  much  dam 
aged  that  her  commander  was  compelled  to  abandon  it. 
On  the  previous  night  the  gunboat  Indianola  had  also 
succeeded  in  running  the  gauntlet,  but  she  was  destined 
to  meet  with  the  fate  of  her  consort,  and  on  the  night  of 
the  twenty-fourth,  she  was  attacked  and  captured  by  the 
rebel  fleet,  and  her  hull  so  badly  injured  that  she  sunk 
before  her  captors  could  take  possession. 

NEW     "CUT-OFFS"      PROPOSED— THE      YAZOO 
PASS    EXPEDITION. 

To  deceive  the  enemy  as  to  his  real  intentions   and  at 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          97 

the  same  time  to  give  a  portion  of  his  large  force  employ 
ment,  General  Grant  acceded  to  the  request  of  some  of 
his  engineers  who  were  desirous  of  attempting  the  experi 
ment  of  making  a  canal  which  would  allow  the  transports 
to  pass  by  Yicksburg  without  running  past  the  batteries. 
The  plan  was  to  connect  the  Mississippi  with  Lake  Provi 
dence  in  Louisiana,  from  which  body  of  water  an  easy 
exit  could  be  effected  by  bayous  into  the  Tensas,  and 
from  thence  into  the  Black  river.  The  Black  river  flows 
into  the  Red  river,  and  the  latter  empties  into  the  Missis 
sippi  about  fifty  miles  above  Port  Hudson.  The  work 
was  carried  on  with  great  rapidity  until  the  middle  of 
April,  when  the  Mississippi  beginning  to  fall,  work  was 
suspended  and  the  project  abandoned. 

A  water  route  on  the  other  side  of  the  Mississippi  was 
also  adopted,  but  although  it  proved  more  successful  than 
the  one  to  which  we  have  referred,  its  use  was  of  but 
little  subsequent  advantage  to  General  Grant  except  to 
divert  the  attention  of  the  enemy  wrhile  he  was  perfecting 
his  programme  for  the  campaign  against  the  rebel  strong 
hold.  In  the  latter  part  of  February,  1863,  an  expe 
dition  was  sent  to  open  this  route,  which  connected  the 
Mississippi  with  the  Coldwater  and  Tallahatchie  rivers 
through  Yazoo  Pass.  The  total  length  of  the  Pass  is 
twenty  miles,  and  throughout  its  entire  length  it  runs 
through  a  section  of  country  which  a  visitor  describes  as 
combining  "the  ugliest  features  of  the  Dismal  Swamp  of 
Virginia,  the  jungles  of  India,  and  the  boundless  tall 
forests  of  the  John  Brown  Tract  in  Western  New  York." 
The  vessels  of  the  expedition  however  successfully  en 
countered  all  the  obstacles,  and  steering  from  the  Pass 
into  the  Coldwater  and  Tallahatcbie,  moved  down  the  latter 
stream  until  they  reached  Fort  Pemberton,  a  formidable 
rebel  work,  which  was  attacked,  but  as  the  troops  could 
not  be  made  effective  on  account  of  the  overflowed  lands, 


98  LIFE   OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

the  assault  was  discontinued  and  the  expedition  with« 
drawn 

RECONNOISSANCE   OF  STEELE'S  BAYOU. 

On  the  morning  of  the  fifteenth  of  March,  1863,  General 
Grant  accompanied  Admiral  Porter  on  a  reconnoissance 
up  Steele's  Bayou,  and  soon  afterwards  General  Sherman 
was  despatched  with  a  division  of  the  Fifteenth  army 
corps  to  assist  in  opening  this  route  to  a  point  on  the 
Yazoo  river  between  Haines's  Bluff  and  Yazoo  city.  For 
some  days  the  combined  military  and  naval  forces  ad 
vanced  through  the  enemy's  country,  notwithstanding  the 
obstructions  which  had  been  placed  in  the  streams.  Sev 
eral  skirmishes  and  engagements  were  fought,  and  finally, 
after  awaiting  a  renewal  of  the  attack,  which  the  rebels 
declined  to  commence,  the  Union  troops,  transports  and 
gunboats  returned  to  Young's  Point,  General  Grant's  head 
quarters. 

RUNNING  THE  GAUNTLET— ADVANCE  OF 
THE  ARMY. 

On  the  twenty-first  of  March,  1863,  Admiral  Farragut's 
flag-ship,  the  Hartford,  which  with  the  Albatross  had  suc 
ceeded  in  running  past  the  batteries  at  Port  Hudson,  ar 
rived  below  Yicksburg,  and  the  Admiral  communicated 
with  General  Grant.  Four  days  later  the  Union  rams 
Lancaster  and  Switzerland  attempted,  to  pass  the  Vicks- 
burg  batteries,  but  they  were  so  badly  injured  by  the 
missiles  from  the  rebel  guns,  that  the  former  was  sunk 
and  the  latter  disabled.  On  the  twenty -ninth  of  March, 
General  Grant  commenced  moving  his  army  down  the 
Louisiana  shore,  the  Thirteenth  corps  taking  the  advance, 
and  followed  by  the  Fifteenth  and  Seventeenth.  The  Six 
teenth  corps  remained  to  see  that  communication  was 
maintained  and  supplies  forwarded.  On  the  thirtieth,  the 
town  of  Richmond,  Louisiana,  was  occupied  after  two 
hours  fighting. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT.  99 

In  accordance  with  General  Grant's  plans,  Admiral 
Porter  prepared  to  run  a  number  of  gunboats  and  trans 
ports  by  the  Yicksburg  batteries,  with  a  view  of  co 
operating  with  General  Grant,  and  transporting  the  army 
across  the  Mississippi.  On  the  night  of  the  sixteenth  of 
April,  the  vessels  succeeded  in  running  the  gauntlet,  and 
a  week  later  several  transports  loaded  with  troops  also 
accomplished  the  perilous  trip. 

About  the  same  time  the  First  cavalry  brigade,  under  com 
mand  of  Colonel  (now  General)  B.  II.  Grierson,  was  detailed 
by  General  Grant  to  cut  all  the  enemy's  communications 
with  Yicksburg,  an  important  and  hazardous  duty  which 
was  performed  with  the  most  brilliant  success.  Portions 
of  the  Mobile  and  Ohio,  the  Southern  and  the  Jackson 
and  New  Orleans  railroads  were  destroyed,  nine  bridges 
were  burned,  and  two  locomotives,  about  two  hundred 
cars,  three  rebel  camps  and  a  number  of  buildings  were 
destroyed,  and  over  twelve  hundred  horses  captured.  The 
total  value  of  property  destroyed  was  estimated  at  four 
millions  of  dollars.  Having  fulfilled  his  mission,  and 
having  routed  the  enemy  wherever  encountered,  Colonel 
Grierson  moved  towards  Baton  Rouge,  where  he  arrived 
on  the  first  of  May. 

On  the  nights  of  the  16th  and  22d  of  April,  1863,  two 
fleets  of  gunboats  and  transports  ran  past  the  Yicksburg  bat 
teries  without  receiving  any  material  damage  ;  and  on  the 
eighteenth,  three  regiments  of  infantry  and  one  of  cavalry 
left  Memphis,  and  when  near  Nonconnah,  encountered  the 
rebels  and  whipped  them.  On  the  following  morning  the 
Union  cavalry  again  attacked  the  rebels,  and  drove  them 
across  the  Coldwater  river  in  confusion.  Both  parties 
being  subsequently  reinforced,  the  engagement  was  re 
newed,  and  again  resulted  in  the  success  of  the  Union 
troops. 

With  a  view  of  attaining  a  position  from  which  he  could 


100        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES     S.    GRANT. 

easily  transport  his  army  across  the  Mississippi,  General 
Grant  gave  the  order  for  an  advance  movement.  At  eight 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  twenty-ninth,  Admiral  Por 
ter  engaged  the  batteries  at  Grand  Gulf,  but  finding  it  im 
possible  to  silence  them,  General  Grant  changed  his  plan 
of  landing  at  that  point,  and  selected  another  site  below. 
At  an  early  hour  of  the  evening,  the  fleet  again  engaged 
the  batteries,  and  while  the  bombardment  was  in  progress, 
several  of  the  transports  steamed  safely  by  the  enemy's 
guns,  General  Grant  during  the  exciting  scene  being  sta 
tioned  on  a  tug  in  the  river. 

THE    SIEGE    OF    VICKSBURG— OFFICIAL 
REPORT    OF     GENERAL    GRANT. 

The  official  report  of  the  commander-in-chief  gives  such 
an  interesting  account  of  the  siege  of  Yicksburg  and  of  the 
movements  anterior  thereto  that  we  publish  it  entire.  It 
is  as  follows 

GENERAL   GRANT'S   OFFICIAL  REPORT. 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  TENNESSHE, 
"  VICKSBURG,  Miss.,  July  6th,  1863. 

"  COLONEL  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report 
of  the  operations  of  the  army  of  the  Tennessee,  and  co-operating 
forces,  from  the  date  of  my  assuming  the  immediate  command 
of  the  expedition  against  Yicksburg,  Mississippi,  to  the  reduc 
tion  of  that  place. 

"  From  the  moment  of  taking  command  in  person,  I  became 
satisfied  that  Vicksburg  could  only  be  tur.ncd  from  the  south 
side,  and,  in  accordance  with  this  conviction,  I  prosecuted  the 
work  on  the  canal,  which  had  been  located  by  Brigadier-General 
Williams,  across  the  peninsula,  on  the  Louisiana  side  of  the 
river,  with  all  vigor,  hoping  to  make  a  channel  which  would  pass 
transports  for  moving  the  army  and  carrying  supplies  to  the 
new  base  of  operations  thus  provided.  The  task  was  much  more 
herculean  than  it  at  first  appeared,  and  was  made  much  more  so 
by  the  almost  continuous  rains  that  fell  during  the  whole  of  the 
time  this  work  was  prosecuted.  The  river,  too,  continued  to 
rise  and  make  a  large  expenditure  of  labor  necessary  to  keep  the 
water  out  of  our  camps  and  the  canal. 

"  Finally,  on  the  eighth  of  March,  the  rapid  rise  of  the  river 
and  the  consequent  great  pressure  upon  the  dam  across  the  canal, 


LIFE   OF   G-ENEKAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRAXT.        101 

near  the  upper  end,  at  the  main  Mississippi  levee,  caused  it  to  give 
away  and  let  through  the  low  lands  back  of  our  camps  a  torrent 
of  water  that  separated  the  north  and  south  shores  of  the  penin 
sula  as  effectually  as  if  the  Mississippi  flowed  between  them. 
This  occurred  when  the  enterprise  promised  success  within  a 
short  time.  There  was  some  delay  in  trying  to  repair  damages. 
It  was  found,  however,  that  with  the  then  stage  of  water,  some 
other  plan  would  have  to  be  adopted  for  getting  below  Vicks- 
burg  with  transports. 

"  Captaia  F.  L.  Prime,  Chief  Engineer,  and  Colonel  G.  G. 
Pride,  who  was  acting  on  my  staff,  prospected  a  route  through 
the  bayous  which  run  from  near  Milliken's  Bend  on  the  north, 
and  New-Carthage  on  the  south,  through  Roundaway  Bayou 
into  the  Tansas  river.  Their  report  of  the  practicability  of  this 
route  determined  me  to  commence  work  upon  it.  Having  three 
dredge-boats  at  the  time,  the  work  of  opening  this  route  was 
executed  with  great  rapidity.  One  small  steamer  and  a  number 
of  barges  were  taken  through  the  channel  thus  opened,  but  the 
river  commencing  about  the  middle  of  April  to  fall  rapidly,  and 
the  roads  becoming  passable  between  Milliken's  Bend  and  New- 
Carthage,  made  it  impracticable  and  unnecessary  to  open  water 
communication  between  these  points. 

"  Soon  after  commencing  the  first  canal  spoken  of,  I  caused  a 
channel  to  be  cut  from  the  Mississippi  into  Lake  Providence; 
also  one  from  the  Mississippi  river  into  Coldwater,  by  way  of 
Yazoo  Pass. 

"  I  had  no  great  expectations  of  important  results  from  the 
former  of  these,  but  having  more  troops  than  could  be  employed 
to  advantage  at  Young's  Point,  and  knowing  that  Lake  Provi 
dence  was  connected  by  Baxter  Bayou  with  Bayou  Macon,  a 
navigable  stream  through  which  transports  might  pass  into  the 
Mississippi  below,  through  Tansas,  Wachita,  and  Red  Rivers,  I 
thought  it  possible  that  a  route  might  be  opened  in  that  direction 
which  would  enable  me  to  co-operate  with  General  Banks  at 
Port  Hudson. 

"  By  the  Yazoo  Pass  route  I  only  expected  at  first  to  get  into 
the  Yazoo  by  way  of  Coldwater  and  Tallahatchie  with  some 
lighter  gunboats  and  a  few  troops,  and  destroy  the  enemy's 
transports  in  that  stream  and  some  gunboats  which  I  knew  he 
was  building.  The  navigation,  however,  proved  so  much  better 
than  had  been  expected,  that  I  thought  for  a  time  of  the  possi 
bility  of  making  this  the  route  for  obtaining  a  foothold  on  the  high 
land  above  Haines'  Bluff,  Mississippi,  and  small-class  steamers 
were  accordingly  ordered  for  transporting  an  army  that  way. 
Major-General  J.  B.  McPherson,  commanding  Seventeenth 
army  corps,  was  directed  to  hold  his  corps  in  readiness  to  move 
by  this  route;  and  one  division  from  each  of  the  Thirteenth  and 
Fifteenth  corps  were  collected  near  the  entrance  of  the  Pass  to 
be  added  to  his  command.  It  soon  became  evident  that  a  suffi- 


102        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

eient  number  of  boats  of  the  right  class  could  not  be  obtained 
for  the  movement  of  more  than  one  division. 

"  While  my  forces  were  opening  one  end  of  the  Pass  the 
enemy  was  diligently  closing  the  other  end,  and  in  this  way  suc 
ceeded  in  gaining  time  to  strongly  fortify  Greenwood,  below  the 
junction  of  the  Tallahatchie  and  Yellobusha.  The  advance  of 
the  expedition,  consisting  of  one  division  of  McClernand's 
corps,  from  Helena,  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  L.  F. 
Boss,  and  the  Twelfth  and  Seventeenth  regiments  Missouri 
infantry,  from  Sherman's  corps,  as  sharp-shooters  on  the  gun 
boats,  succeeded  in  reaching  Coldwater  on  the  second  day  of 
March,  after  much  difficulty,  and  the  partial  disabling  of  most 
of  the  boats.  From  the  entrance  into  Coldwater  to  Fort 
Pemberton,  at  Greenwood,  Mississippi,  no  great  difficulty  of 
navigation  was  experienced,  nor  any  interruption  of  magnitude 
from  the  enemy.  Fort  Pemberton  extends  from  the  Tallahatchie 
to  the  Yazoo,  at  Greenwood.  Here  the  two  rivers  come  within 
a  few  hundred  yards  of  each  other.  The  land  around  the  Fort 
is  low,  and  at  the  time  of  the  attack  was  entirely  overflowed. 
Owing  to  this  fact,  no  movement  could  be  made  by  the  army  to 
reduce  it,  but  all  depended  upon  the  ability  of  the  gunboats 
to  silence  the  guns  of  the  enemy,  and  enable  the  transports  to 
run  down,  and  laud  troops  immediately  on  the  Fort  itself. 
After  an  engagement  of  several  hours,  the  gunboats  drew  off, 
being  unable  to  silence  the  batteries.  Brigadier-General  J.  F. 
Quinby,  commanding  a  division  of  McPhersou's  corps,  met  the 
expedition  under  Ross,  with  his  division  on  its  return,  near  Fort 
Pemberton,  on  the  twenty-first  of  March,  and  being  the  senior, 
assumed  the  command  of  the  entire  expedition,  and  returned  to 
the  position  Ross  had  occupied. 

"On  the  twenty-third  day  of  March,  I  sent  orders  for  the 
withdrawal  of  all  the  forces  operating  in  that  direction  for  the 
purpose  of  concentrating  my  army  at  Milliken's  Bend. 

"On  the  fourteenth  day  of  March,  Admiral  D.  D.  Porter, 
commanding  Mississippi  squadron,  informed  me  that  he  had 
made  a  reconnoissance  up  Steel's  Bayou,  and  partially  through 
Black  Bayou  toward  Deer  creek,  and  so  far  as  explored,  these 
water-courses  were  reported  navigable  for  the  smaller  iron-clads. 
Information,  given  mostly,  I  believe,  by  the  negroes  of  the  coun 
try,  was  to  the  effect  that  Deer  creek  could  be  navigated  to 
Rolling  Fork,  and  that  from  there  through  the  Sunflower  to  the 
Yazoo  river  there  was  no  question  about  the  navigation.  On 
the  following  morning  I  accompanied  Admiral  Porter  in  the 
ram  Price,  several  iron-clads  preceding  us,  up  through  Steel's 
Bayou,  to  near  Black  Bayou. 

"At  this  time  our  forces  were  at  a  dead-lock  at  Greenwood, 
and  I  looked  upon  the  success  of  this  enterprise  as  of  vast  im 
portance.  It  would,  if  successful,  leave  Greenwood  between 
two  forces  of  ours,  and  would  necessarily  cause  the  immediate 
abandonment  of  that  stronghold. 


LIFE    OF    GENKRAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.        103 

"About  thirty  steamers  of  the  enemy  would  have  been  de 
stroyed  or  fallen  into  our  hands.  Seeing  that  the  great  obstacle  to 
navigation,  so  far  as  I  had  gone,  was  from  overhanging  trees,  I  left 
Admiral  Porter  near  Black  Bayou,  and  pushed  back  to  Young's 
Point  for  the  purpose  of  sending  forward  a  pioneer  corps  to 
remove  these  difficulties.  Soon  after  my  return  to  Young's 
Point,  Admiral  Porter  sent  back  to  me  for  a  co-operating  mili 
tary  force.  Sherman  was  promptly  sent  with  one  division  of 
his  corps.  The  number  of  steamers  suitable  for  the  navigation 
of  these  bayous  being  limited,  most  of  the  force  was  sent  up 
the  Mississippi  river  to  Eagle's  Bend,  a  point  where  the  river 
runs  within  one  mile  of  Steel's  Bayou,  thus  saving  an  important 
part  of  difficult  navigation.  The  expedition  failed,  probably 
more  from  want  of  knowledge  as  to  what  would  be  required  to 
open  this  route  than  from  any  impracticability  in  the  navigation 
of  the  streams  and  bayous  through  which  it  was  proposed  to 
pass.  Want  of  this  knowledge  led  the  expedition  on  until  diffi 
culties  were  encountered,  and  then  it  would  become  necessary 
to  send  back  to  Young's  Point  for  the  means  of  removing  them. 
This  gave  the  enemy  time  to  move  forces  to  effectually  check 
mate  further  progress,  and  the  expedition  was  withdrawn  when 
within  a  few  hundred  yards  of  free  and  open  navigation  to  the 
Yazoo. 

"All  this  may  have  been  providential  in  driving  us  ultimately 
to  a  line  of  operations  which  has  proven  eminently  successful. 

"  For  further  particulars  of  the  Steel's  Bayou  expedition,  see 
report  of  Major-General  W.  F.  Sherman,  forwarded  on  the 
twelfth  of  April. 

"As  soon  as  I  decided  to  open  water  communication  from  a 
point  on  the  Mississippi  near  Milliken's  Bend  to  New  Carthage, 
I  determined  to  occupy  the  latter  place,  it  being  the  first  point 
below  Vicksburg  that  could  be  reached  by  land  at  the  stage  of 
water  then  existing,  and  the  occupancy  of  which,  while  it 
secured  to  us  a  point  on  the  Mississippi  river,  would  also  pro 
tect  the  main  line  of  communication  by  water.  Accordingly, 
the  Thirteenth  army  corps,  Major-General  J.  A.  McGlernand 
commanding,  was  directed  to  take  up  the  line  of  march  on  the 
twenty-ninth  day  of  March  for  New-Carthage,  the  Fifteenth 
and  Seventeeth  corps  to  follow,  moving  no  faster  than  supplies 
and  ammunition  could  be  transported  to  them. 

"The  roads,  though  level,  were  intolerably  bad,  and  the  move 
ment  was  therefore  necessarily  slow.  Arriving  at  Smith's  plan 
tation,  two  miles  from  New-Carthage,  it  was  found  that  the 
levee  of  Bayou  Vidal  was  broken  in  several  places,  thus  leaving 
New-Carthage  an  island. 

"All  the  boats  that  could  be  were  collected  from  the  different 
bayous  in  the  vicinity,  and  others  were  built,  but  the  transpor 
tation  of  an  army  in  this  way  was  found  exceedingly  tedious. 
Another  route  had  to  be  found.  This  was  done  by  making  a 


104        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

further  inarch  around  Vidal  to  Perkins's  plantation,  a  distance 
of  twelve  miles  more,  making  the  whole  distance  to  be  marched 
from  Millikeu's  Bend  to  reach  water  communication  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  point,  thirty-live  miles.  Over  this  distance, 
with  bad  roads  to  contend  against,  supplies  of  ordnance  stores 
and  provisions  had  to  be  hauled  by  wagons  with  which  to  com 
mence  the  campaign  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 

"At  the  same  time  that  I  ordered  the  occupation  of  New- 
Carthage,  preparations  were  made  for  running  transports  by  the 
Vicksburg  batteries  with  Admiral  Porter's  gunboat  fleet. 

"  On  the  night  of  the  sixteenth  of  April,  Admiral  Porter's 
fleet,  and  the  transports  Silver  Wave,  Forest  Queen,  and  Henry 
Clay,  ran  the  Vicksburg  batteries.  The  boilers  of  the  trans 
ports  were  protected  as  well  as  possible  with  hay  and  cotton. 
More  or  less  commissary  stores  were  put  on  each.  All  three  of 
these  boats  were  struck  more  or  less  frequently  while  passing  the 
enemy's  batteries,  and  the  Henry  Clay,  by  the  explosion  of  a 
shell  or  by  other  means,  was  set  on  tire  and  entirely  consumed. 
The  other  two  boats  were  somewhat  injured,  but  not  seriously 
disabled.  No  one  on  board  of  either  was  hurt. 

"As  these  boats  succeeded  in  getting  by  so  well.  I  ordered 
six  more  to  be  prepared  in  like  manner  for  running  the  batteries. 
These  latter,  namely,  Tigress,  Anglo-Saxon,  Cheeseman,  Empire 
City,  Horizonia,  and  Moderator,  left  Milliken's  Bend  on  the 
night  of  the  twenty-second  of  April,  and  five  of  them 
got  by,  but  in  somewhat  damaged  condition.  The  Tigress 
received  a  shot  in  her  hull  below  the  water-line,  and  sunk  on  the 
Louisiana  shore  soon  after  passing  the  last  of  the  batteries. 
The  crews  of  these  steamers,  with  the  exception  of  that  of  the 
Forest  Queen,  Captain  D.  Conway,  and  the  Silver  Wave,  Cap 
tain  McMillan,  were  composed  of  volunteers  from  the  army. 
Upon  the  call  for  volunteers  for  this  dangerous  enterprise, 
officers  and  men  presented  themselves  by  hundreds,  anxious  to 
undertake  the  trip.  The  names  of  those  whose  services  were 
accepted  will  be  given  in  a  separate  report. 

"  It  is  a  striking  feature,  so  far  as  my  observation  goes,  of  the 
present  volunteer  army  of  the  United  States,  that  there  is  noth 
ing  which  men  are  called  upon  to  do,  mechanical  or  professional, 
that  accomplished  adepts  cannot  be  found  for  the  duty  required 
in  almost  every  regiment. 

"The  transports  injured  in  running  the  blockade  were  re 
paired  by  order  of  Admiral  Porter,  who  was  supplied  with  the 
material  for  such  repairs  as  they  required,  and  who  was  and  is 
ever  ready  to  afford  all  the  assistance  in  his  power  for  the 
furtherance  of  the  success  of  our  arms.  In  a  very  short  time 
five  of  the  transports  were  in  running  order,  and  the  remainder 
were  in  a  condition  to  be  used  as  barges  in  the  movement  of 
troops.  Twelve  barges  loaded  with  forage  and  rations  were  sent 
in  tow  of  the  last  six  boats  that  ran  the  blockade  ;  one-half  of 
them  got  through  in  a  condition  to  be  used. 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GKANT.        105 

"  Owing  to  the  limited  number  of  transports  below  Vicks- 
burg,  it  was  found  necessary  to  extend  our  line  of  land  travel 
to  Hard  Times,  La.,  which,  by  the  circuitous  route  it  was 
necessary  to  take,  increased  the  distance  to  about  seventy  miles 
from  Milliken's  Bend,  our  starting-point. 

"  The  Thirteenth  army  corps  being  all  through  to  the  Missis 
sippi,  and  the  Seventeenth  army  corps  well  on  the  way,  so  much  of 
the  Thirteenth  as  could  be  got  on  board  the  transports  and  barges 
were  put  aboard  and  moved  to  the  front  of  Grand  Gulf  on  the 
twenty-ninth  of  April.  The  plan  here  was  that  the  navy  should 
silence  the  guns  of  the  enemy,  and  the  troops  land  under  cover 
of  the  gunboats,  and  carry  the  place  by  storm. 

"At  eight  o'clock  A.M.,  the  uavy  made  the  attack,  and  kept  it 
up  for  more  than  five  hours  in  the  most  gallant  manner.  From 
a  tug  out  in  the  stream  I  witnessed  the  whole  engagement. 
Many  times  it  seemed  to  me  the  gunboats  were  within  pistol-shot 
of  the  enemy's  batteries.  It  soon  became  evident  that  the  guns 
of  the  enemy  were  too  elevated  and  their  fortifications  too  strong 
to  be  taken  from  the  water-side.  The  whole  range  of  hills  on 
that  side  were  known  to  be  lined  with  rifle-pits;  besides,  the  field 
artillery  could  be  moved  to  any  position  where  it  could  be  made 
useful  in  case  of  an  attempt  at  landing.  This  determined  me  to 
again  run  the  enemy's  batteries,  turn  his  position  by  effecting  a 
landing  at  Rodney,  or  at  Bruinsburg,  between  Grand  Gulf  and 
Rodney.  Accordingly,  orders  were  immediately  given  for  the 
troops  to  debark  at  Hard  Times,  La.,  and  march  across  to 
the  plain  immediately  below  Grand  Gulf.  At  dark  the  gunboats 
again  engaged  the  batteries,  and  all  the  transports  ran  by, 
receiving  but  two  or  three  shots  in  the  passage,  and  these  with 
out  injury.  I  had  some  time  previously  ordered  a  reconnois- 
sance  to  a  point  opposite  Bruinsburg,  to  ascertain,  if  possible, 
from  persons  in  the  neighborhood,  the  character  of  the  road 
leading  to  the  highlands  back  of  Bruinsburg.  During  the 
night  I  learned  from  a  negro  man  that  there  was  a  good  road 
from  Bruinsburg  to  Port  Gibson,  which  determined  me  to  land 
there. 

"  The  work  of  ferrying  the  troops  to  Bruinsburg  was  com 
menced  at  daylight  in  the  morning,  the  gunboats  as  well  as 
transports  being  used  for  the  purpose. 

"As  soon  as  the  Thirteenth  army  corps  was  landed,  and  could 
draw  three  days'  rations  to  put  in  haversacks  (no  wagons  were 
allowed  to  cross  until  the  troops  were  all  over),  they  were 
started  on  the  road  to  Port  Gibson.  I  deemed  it  a  matter  of 
vast  importance  that  the  highlands  should  be  reached  without 
resistance. 

"  The  Seventeenth  corps  followed  as  rapidly  as  it  could  be 
put  across  the  river. 

"About  two  o'clock  on  the  first  of  May,  the  advance  of  the 
enemy  was  met  eight  miles  from  Bruiusburg,  on  the  road  to 


106        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Port  Gibson.  He  w?«s  forced  to  fall  back,  but  as  it  was  dark, 
he  was  not  pursued  far  until  daylight.  Early  on  the  morning 
of  the  first  I  went  out,  accompanied  by  members  of  my  staff, 
and  found  McClernand  with  his  corps  engaging1  the  enemy  about 
four  miles  from  Port  Gibson,  At  this  point  the  roads  branched 
in  exactly  opposite  directions,  both,  however,  leading  to  Port 
Gibson.  The  enemy  had  taken  position  on  both  branches,  thus 
dividing,  as  he  fell  back,  the  pursuing  forces.  The  nature  of 
the  ground  in  that  part  of  the  country  is  such  that  a  very  small 
force  could  retard  the  progress  of  a  much  larger  one  for  many 
hours.  The  roads  usually  run  on  narrow,  elevated  ridges,  with 
deep  and  impenetrable  ravines  on  either  side.  On  the  right 
were  the  divisions  of  Hovey,  Carr,  and  Smith,  and  on  the  left, 
the  division  of  Osterhaus  of  McClernand's  corps.  The  three 
former  succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  from  position  to  position 
back  toward  Port  Gibson  steadily  all  day. 

"  Osterhaus  did  not,  however,  move  the  enemy  from  the  posi 
tion  occupied  by  him  on  our  left  until  Logan's  division  of  Mc- 
Pherson's  corps  arrived. 

"  McClernand,  who  was  with  the  right  in  person,  sent  re 
peated  messages  to  me  before  the  arrival  of  Logan  to  send 
Logan  and  Quinby's  division  of  McPherson's  corps  to  him. 

"I  had  been  on  that  as  well  as  all  other  parts  of  the  field, 
and  could  not  see  how  they  could  be  used  there  to  advantage. 
However,  as  soon  as  the  advance  of  McPherson's  corps  (Lo 
gan's  division)  arrived,  I  sent  one  brigade,  Brigadier-General  J. 
E.  Smith  commanding,  to  the  left  to  the  assistance  of 
Osterhaus. 

"  By  the  judicious  disposition  made  of  this  brigade,  under  the 
immediate  supervision  of  McPherson  and  Logan,  a  position  was 
soon  obtained  giving  us  an  advantage  which  soon  drove  the 
enemy  from  that  part  of  the  field,  to  make  no  further  stand 
south  of  Bayou  Pierre. 

"  The  enemy  was  here  repulsed  with  heavy  loss  in  killed, 
wrounded,  and  prisoners.  The  repulse  of  the  enemy  on  our  left 
took  place  late  in  the  afternoon.  He  was  pursued  toward  Port 
Gibson,  but  night  closing  in,  and  the  enemy  making  the  appear 
ance  of  another  stand,  the  troops  slept  upon  their  arms  until 
daylight. 

"  In  the  morning  it  was  found  that  the  enemy  had  retreated 
across  Bayou  Pierre,  on  the  Grand  Gulf  road,  and  a  brigade  of 
Logan's  division  was  sent  to  divert  his  attention  while  a  floating 
bridge  was  being  built  across  Bayou  Pierre,  immediately  at  Port 
Gibson.  This  bridge  was  completed,  eight  miles  marched  by 
McPherson's  corps  to  the  north  fork  of  Bayou  Pierre,  that 
stream  bridged,  and  the  advance  of  this  corps  commenced  pass 
ing  over  it  at  five  o'clock  the  following  morning. 

"  On  the  third  the  enemy  was  pursued  to  Hawkinson's  Ferry, 
with  slight  skirmishing  all  day,  during  which  we  took  quite  a 
number  of  prisoners,  mostly  stragglers  from  the  enemy. 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         107 

"  Finding  that  Grand  Gulf  had  been  evacuated,  and  that  the 
advance  of  my  forces  was  already  fifteen  miles  out  from  there, 
and  on  the  road,  too,  they  would  have  to  take  to  reach  either 
Vicksburg,  Jackson,  or  any  intermediate  point  on  the  railroad 
between  the  two  places,  I  determined  not  to  march  them  back, 
but  taking  a  small  escort  of  cavalry,  some  fifteen  or  twenty 
men,  I  went  to  the  Gulf  myself,  and  made  the  necessary  arrange 
ments  for  changing  my  base  of  supplies  from  Bruinsburg  to 
Grand  Gulf. 

"In  moving  from  Milliken's  Bend,  the  Fifteenth  army  corps, 
Major-General  W.  T.  Sherman  commanding,  was  left  to  be  the 
last  to  start.  To  prevent  heavy  reinforcements  going  from 
Vicksburg  to  the  assistance  of  the  Grand  Gulf  forces,  I  di 
rected  Sherman  to  make  a  demonstration  on  Haines's  Bluff,  and 
to  make  all  the  show  possible.  From  information  since  received 
from  prisoners  captured,  this  ruse  succeeded  admirably. 

"  It  had  been  my  intention,  up  to  the  time  of  crossing  the 
Mississippi  river,  to  collect  all  my  forces  at  Grand  Gulf,  and 
get  on  hand  a  good  supply  of  provisions  and  ordnance  stores 
before  moving,  and,  in  the  meantime,  to  detach  an  army  corps 
to  co-operate  with  General  Banks  on  Port  Hudson,  and  effect  a 
junction  of  our  forces. 

"About  this  time,  I  received  a  letter  from  General  Banks 
giving  his  position  west  of  the  Mississippi  river,  and  stating 
that  he  could  return  to  Baton  Rouge  by  the  tenth  of  May ;  that 
by  the  reduction  of  Port  Hudson  he  could  join  me  with  twelve 
thousand  men. 

"  I  learned  about  the  same  time,  that  troops  were  expected  at 
Jackson  from  the  Southern  cities,  with  General  Beauregard  in 
command.  To  delay  until  the  tenth  of  May,  and  for  the  reduc 
tion  of  Port  Hudson  after  that,  the  accession  of  twelve  thousand 
men  would  not  leave  me  relatively  so  strong  as  to  move  promptly 
with  what  I  had.  Information  received  from  day  to  day  of  the 
movements  of  the  enemy  also  impelled  me  to  the  course  pur 
sued.  While  lying  at  Hawkinson's  Ferry,  waiting  for  wagons, 
supplies,  and  Sherman's  corps,  which  had  come  forward  in  the 
meantime,  demonstrations  were  made,  successfully,  I  believe,  to 
induce  the  enemy  to  think  that  route,  and  the  one  by  Hall's 
Ferry  above,  were  objects  of  much  solicitude  to  me.  Recon- 
noissances  were  made  to  the  west  side  of  the  Big  Black  to 
within  six  miles  of  Warrenton.  On  the  7th  of  May  an  ad 
vance  was  ordered,  McPherson's  corps  keeping  the  road  nearest 
Black  river  to  Rocky  Springs,  McClernand's  corps  keeping  the 
ridge  road  from  Willow  Springs,  and  Sherman  following  with 
his  corps  divided  on  the  two  roads.  All  the  ferries  were  closely 
guarded  until  our  troops  were  well  advanced.  It  was  my  intention, 
here  to  hug  the  Black  river  as  closely  as  possible  with  McCler 
nand's  and  Sherman's  corps,  and  get  them  to  the  railroad,  at 
some  place  between  Edward's  Station  and  Bolton.  McPhersoa 
7 


108        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

was  to  move  by  way  of  Utica  to  Eaymond,  and  from  thence  into 
Jackson,  destroying  the  railroad,  telegraph,  public  stores,  etc., 
and  push  west  to  rejoin  the  main  force.  Orders  were  given  to 
McPherson  accordingly.  Sherman  was  moved  forward  on  the 
Edward's  Station  road,  crossing  Fourteen  Mile  creek  at  Dillon's 
plantation  ;  McCleruand  was  moved  across  the  same  creek,  fur- 
ihcr  west,  sending  one  division  of  his  corps  by  the  Baldwin's 
Ferry  road  as  far  as  the  river.  At  the  crossing  of  Fourteen 
Mile  creek,  both  McCleruand  and  Sherman  had  considerable 
skirmishing  with  the  enemy  to  get  possession  of  the  crossing. 

"  McPherson  met  the  enemy  near  Raymond  two  brigades 
strong,  under  Gregg  and  Walker,  on  the  same  day  engaged 
him,  and  after  several  hours'  hard  fighting,  drove  him  with  heavy 
loss  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners.  Many  threw  down  their 
arms  and  deserted. 

"  My  position  at  this  time  was  with  Sherman's  corps,  some 
seven  miles  west  of  Raymond,  and  about  the  centre  of  the  army. 

"  On  the  night  of  the  twelfth  of  May,  after  orders  had  been 
given  for  the  corps  of  McClernand  and  Sherman  to  march  to 
ward  the  railroad  by  parallel  roads — the  former  in  the  direction 
of  Edward's  Station,  and  the  latter  to  a  point  on  the  railroad 
between  Edward's  Station  and  Bolton — the  order  was  changed, 
and  both  were  directed  to  move  toward  Raymond. 

"This  was  in  consequence  of  the  enemy 'having  retreated  to 
ward  Jackson  after  his  defeat  at  Raymond,  and  of  information 
that  reinforcements  were  daily  arriving  at  Jackson,  and  that 
General  Joe  Johnston  was  hourly  expected  there  to  take  com 
mand  in  person.  I,  therefore,  determined  to  make  sure  of  that 
place,  and  leave  no  enemy  in  my  rear. 

"  McPherson  moved  on  the  thirteenth  to  Clinton,  destroyed 
the  railroad  and  telegraph,  and  captured  some  important 
despatches  from  General  Pemberton  to  General  Gregg,  who 
had  commanded  the  day  before  in  the  battle  of  Raymond. 
Sherman  moved  to  a  parallel  position  on  the  Mississippi 
Springs  and  Jackson  road  ;  McClernand  moved  to  a  point  near 
Raymond. 

"  The  next  day  Sherman  and  McPherson  moved  their  entire 
forces  toward  Jackson.  The  rain  fell  in  torrents  all  the  night 
before,  and  continued  until  about  noon  of  that  day,  making  the 
roads  at  first  slippery  and  then  miry.  Notwithstanding  this,  the 
troops  marched  in  excellent  order  without  straggling  and  in  the 
best  of  spirits,  about  fourteen  miles,  and  engaged  the  enemy 
about  twelve  o'clock  M.,  near  Jackson.  McClernand  occupied 
Clinton  with  one  division,  Mississippi  Springs  with  another, 
Raymond  with  a  third,  and  had  Blair's  division  of  Sherman's 
corps,  with  a  wagon  train,  still  in  the  rear  near  New-Auburn, 
while  McArthur,  with  one  brigade  of  his  division,  of  McPhcr- 
son's  corps,  was  moving  toward  Raymond  on  the  Utica  road.  It 
was  not  the  intention  to  move  these  forces  any  nearer  Jackson, 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         109 

but  to  have  them  in  a  position  where  they  would  be  in  support 
ing  distance,  if  the  resistance  at  Jackson  should  prove  more 
obstinate  than  there  seemed  reason  to  expect. 

"  The  eneray  marched  out  the  bulk  of  his  force  on  the  Clinton 
road,  and  engaged  McPherson's  corps  about  two  and  a  half 
miles  from  the  city.  A  small  force  of  artillery  and  infantry 
took  a  strong  position  in  front  of  Sherman,  about  the  same  dis 
tance  out.  By  a  determined  advance  of  our  skirmishers  these 
latter  were  soon  driven  within  their  rifle-pits  just  outside  the 
city.  It  was  impossible  to  ascertain  the  strength  of  the  enemy 
at  this  part  of  the  line  in  time  to  justify  an  immediate  assault ; 
consequently,  McPherson's  two  divisions  engaged  the  main 
bulk  of  the  rebel  garrison  at  Jackson  without  further  aid  than 
the  moral  support  given  them  by  the  knowledge  the  enemy  had 
of  a  force  to  the  south  side  of  the  city,  and  the  few  infantry  and 
artillery  of  the  enemy  posted  there  to  impede  Sherman's  pro 
gress.  Sherman  soon  discovered  the  weakness  of  the  enemy 
by  sending  a  reconnoiteriug  party  to  his  right,  which  also  had 
the  effect  of  causing  the  enemy  to  retreat  from  this  part  of  his 
line.  A  few  of  the  artillerists,  however,  remained  in  their 
places,  firing  upon  Sherman's  troops  until  the  last  moment, 
evidently  instructed  to  do  so,  with  the  expectation  of  being 
captured  in  the  end.  On  entering  the  city  it  was  found  that  the 
main  body  of  the  enemy  had  retreated  north,  after  a  heavy  en 
gagement  of  more  than  two  hours  with  McPherson's  corps,  in 
which  he  was  badly  beaten.  He  was  pursued  until  near  night, 
but  without  further  damage  to  him. 

"  During  that  evening  I  learned  that  General  Johnston,  as 
soon  as  he  had  satisfied  himself  that  Jackson  was  to  be  attacked, 
had  ordered  Pemberton  peremptorily  to  march  out  from  the 
direction  of  Yicksburg  and  attack  our  rear.  Availing  myself 
of  this  information,  I  immediately  issued  orders  to  McCleruand 
and  Blair,  of  Sherman's  corps,  to  face  their  troops  toward 
Bolton,  with  a  view  to  reaching  Edward's  Station,  marching  on 
different  roads  converging  near  Bolton.  These  troops  were  ad 
mirably  located  for  such  a  move.  McPherson  was  ordered  to 
retrace  his  steps  early  in  the  morning  of  the  fifteenth  on  the 
Clinton  road.  Sherman  was  left  in  Jackson  to  destroy  the  rail 
roads,  bridges,  factories,  workshops,  arsenals,  and  every  thing 
valuable  for  the  support  of  the  enemy.  This  was  accomplished 
in  the  most  effectual  manner. 

"  On  the  afternoon  of  the  fifteenth  I  proceeded  as  far  west  as 
Clinton,  through  which  place  McPherson's  corps  passed  to 
within  supporting  distance  of  Hovey's  division,  of  McCler- 
nand's  corps,  which  had  moved  that  day  on  the  same  road  to 
within  one  and  half  miles  of  Bolton.  On  reaching  Clinton,  at 
forty-five  minutes  past  four  P.M.,  I  ordered  McClernand  to  move 
his  command  early  the  next  morning  toward  Edward's  Depot, 
marching  so  as  to  feel  the  enemy,  if  he  encountered  him,  but 


110        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT 

not  to  bring  on  a  general  engagement  unless  he  was  confident 
he  was  able  to  defeat  him  ;  and  also  to  order  Blair  to  move 
with  him. 

"About  five  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  sixteenth,  two  men, 
employees  on  the  Jackson  and  Vicksburg  railroad,  who  had 
passed  through  Pemberton's  army  the  night  before,  were 
brought  to  my  head-quarters.  They  stated  Pemberton's  force 
to  consist  of  about  eighty  regiments,  with  ten  batteries  of  ar 
tillery,  and  that  the  whole  force,  was  estimated  by  the  enemy  at 
about  twenty-five  thousand  men.  From  them  I  also  learned  the 
positions  being  taken  up  by  the  enemy,  and  his  intention  of  at 
tacking  our  rear.  I  had  determined  to  leave  one  division  of 
Sherman's  corps  one  day  longer  in  Jackson,  but  this  information 
determined  me  to  bring  his  entire  command  up  at  once,  and  I  ac 
cordingly  despatched  him,  at  half-past  five  A.M.,  to  move  with  all 
possible  speed  until  he  came  up  with  the  main  force  near  Bolton. 
My  despatch  reached  him  at  ten  minutes  past  seven  A.M.,  and 
his  advance  division  was  in  motion  in  one  hour  from  that  time. 
A  despatch  was  sent  to  Blair,  at  the  same  time,  to  push  forward 
his  division  in  the  direction  of  Edward's  Station  with  all  possi 
ble  despatch.  McOlernand  was  directed  to  establish  communi 
cation  between  Blair  and  Osterhaus,  of  his  corps,  and  keep  it 
up,  moving  the  former  to  the  support  of  the  latter.  McPherson 
was  ordered  forward,  at  forty-five  minutes  past  five  A.M.,  to  join 
McClernand,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Wilson,  of  my  staff,  was 
sent  forward  to  communicate  the  information  received,  and  with 
verbal  instructions  to  McClernand  as  to  the  disposition  of  his 
forces.  At  an  early  hour  I  left  for  the  advance,  and  on  arriving 
at  the  crossing  of  the  Vicksburg  and  Jackson  railroad  with  the 
road  from  Raymond  to  Bolton,  I  found  McPherson's  advance 
and  his  pioneer  corps  engaged  in  rebuilding  a  bridge  on  the 
former  road  that  had  been  destroyed  by  the  cavalry  of  Oster- 
haus's  division  that  had  gone  into  Bolton  the  night  before.  The 
train  of  Hovey's  division  was  at  a  halt,  and  blocked  up  the  road 
from  further  advance  on  the  Vicksburg  road.  I  ordered  all 
quartermasters  and  wagon-masters  to  draw  their  teams  to  one 
side,  and  make  room  for  the  passage  of  troops.  McPherson 
was  brought  up  by  this  road.  Passing  to  the  front,  I  found 
Hovey's  division  of  the  Thirteenth  army  corps  at  a  halt,  with 
our  skirmishers  and  the  enemy's  pickets  near  each  other.  Hovey 
was  bringing  the  troops  into  line,  ready  for  battle,  and  could  have 
brought  on  an  engagement  at  any  moment.  The  enemy  had 
taken  up  a  very  strong  position  on  a  narrow  ridge,  his  left  rest 
ing  on  a  height  where  the  road  makes  a  sharp  turn  to  the  left 
approaching  Vicksburg.  The  top  of  the  ridge  and  the  pre 
cipitous  hillside  to  the  left  of  the  road  are  covered  by  a  dense 
forest  and  undergrowth.  To  the  right  of  the  road  the  timber 
extends  a  short  distance  down  the  hill,  and  then  opens  into 
cultivated  fields  on  a  gentle  slope  and  into  a  valley  extending 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        Ill 

for  a  considerable  distance.  On  the  road  and  into  the  wooded 
ravine  and  hillside  Hovey's  division  was  disposed  for  the  attack. 
McPherson's  two  divisions — all  of  his  corps  with  him  on  the 
march  from  Milliken's  Bend  (until  Hansom's  brigade  arrived 
that  day  after  the  battle) — were  thrown  to  the  right  of  the  road, 
properly  speaking,  the  enemy's  rear.  But  I  would  not  permit 
an  attack  to  be  commenced  by  our  troops  until  I  could  hear 
from  McClernand,  who  was  advancing1  with  four  divisions,  two 
of  them  on  a  road  intersecting  the  Jackson  road  about  one  mile 
from  where  the  troops  above  described  were  placed,  and  about 
the  centre  of  the  enemy's  line  ;  the  other  two  divisions  on  a  road 
still  north  and  nearly  the  same  distance  off. 

"  I  soon  heard  from  McClernand  through  members  of  his  staff 
and  my  own  whom  I  had  sent  to  him  early  in  the  morning,  and 
found  that  by  the  nearest  practicable  route  of  communication 
he  was  two  and  a  half  miles  distant.  I  sent  several  successive 
messages  to  him  to  push  forward  with  all  rapidity.  There  had 
been  continuous  firing  between  Hovey's  skirmishers  and  the 
rebel  advance,  which,  by  eleven  o'clock,  grew  into  a  battle. 
For  some  time  this  division  bore  the  brunt  of  the  conflict;  but 
finding  the  enemy  too  strong  for  them,  at  the  instance  of 
Hovey,  I  directed  first  one  and  then  a  second  brigade  from 
Crocker's  division  to  reinforce  him.  All  this  time  Logan's  divi 
sion  was  working  upon  the  enemy's  left  and  rear,  and  weakened 
his  front  attack  most  wonderfully.  The  troops  here  opposing 
us  evidently  far  outnumbered  ours.  Expecting  McClernand 
momentarily,  with  four  divisions,  including  Blair's,  I  never  felt 
a  doubt  of  the  result.  He  did  not  arrive,  however,  until  the 
enemy  had  been  driven  from  the  field,  after  a  terrible  contest  of 
hours,  with  a  heavy  loss  of  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners,  and 
a  number  of  pieces  of  artillery.  It  was  found  afterward  that 
the  Vicksburg  road,  after  following  the  ridge  in  a  southerly 
direction  for  about  one  mile  and  to  where  it  intersected  one  of 
the  Raymond  roads,  turns  almost  to  the  west,  down  the  hill  and 
across  the  valley  in  which  Logan  was  operating  on  the  rear  of 
the  enemy.  One  brigade  of  Logan's  division  had,  unconscious 
of  this  important  fact,  penetrated  nearly  to  this  road,  and  com 
pelled  the  enemy  to  retreat  to  prevent  capture.  As  it  was,  much 
of  his  artillery  and  Loring's  division  of  his  army  was  cut  off,  be 
side  the  prisoners  captured.  On  the  call  of  Hovey  for  more 
reinforcements,  just  before  the  rout  of  the  enemy  commenced,  I 
ordered  McPherson  to  move  what  troops  he  could  by  a  left  flank 
around  to  the  enemy's  front.  Logan  rode  up  at  this  time  and 
told  me  that  if  Hovey  could  make  another  clash  at  the  enemy  he 
could  come  up  from  where  he  then  was  and  capture  the  greater 
part  of  their  force.  I  immediately  rode  forward  and  found  the 
troops  that  had  been  so  gallantly  engaged  for  so  many  hours 
withdrawn  from  their  advanced  position  and  were  filling  their 
cartridge  boxes.  I  desired  them  to  use  all  despatch  and  push 


112        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

forward  as  soon  as  possible,  explaining  to  them  the  position  of 
Logan's  division.  Proceeding  still  further  forward,  expecting 
every  moment  to  see  the  enemy,  and  reaching  what  had  been 
his  line,  I  found  he  was  retreating.  Arriving  at  the  Raymond 
road,  I  saw  to  my  left  and  on  the  next  ridge  a  column  of  troops 
which  proved  to  be  Carr's  division  and  McClernand  with  it  in 
person  ;  and  to  the  left  of  Carr,  Osterhaus's  division  soon  after 
ward  appeared  with  his  skirmishers  well  in  advance.  I  sent 
word  to  Osterhaus  that  the  enemy  was  in  full  retreat,  and  to 
push  up  with  all  haste.  The  situation  was  soon  explained,  after 
which  I  ordered  Carr  to  pursue  with  all  speed  to  Black  river  and 
across  it  if  he  could,  and  to  Osterhaus  to  follow.  Some  of 
McPherson's  troops  had  already  got  into  the  road  in  advance, 
but  having  marched  and  engaged  the  enemy  all  day,  they  were 
fatigued  and  gave  the  road  to  Carr,  who  continued  the  pursuit 
until  after  dark,  capturing  a  train  of  cars  loaded  with  commissary 
and  ordnance  stores  and  other  property. 

"  The  delay  in  the  advance  of  the  troops  immediately  with 
McClernand  was  caused,  no  doubt,  by  the  enemy  presenting  a 
front  of  artillery  and  infantry,  where  it  was  impossible,  from  the 
nature  of  the  ground  and  the  density  of  the  forest,  to  discover  his 
numbers.  As  it  was,  the  battle  of  Champion's  Hill,  or  Baker's 
Creek,  was  fought  mainly  by  Hovey's  division  of  McClerriand's 
corps,  and  Logan's  and  Quinby's  division  (the  latter  commanded 
by  Brigadier-General  M.  M.  Crocker)  of  McPherson's  corps. 

"  Ransom's  brigade,  of  McPherson's  corps,  came  on  to  the 
field  where  the  main  battle  had  been  fought  immediately  after 
the  enemy  had  begun  his  retreat. 

"  Word  was  sent  to  Sherman,  at  Bolton,  of  the  result  of  the 
day's  engagement,  with  directions  to  turn  his  corps  toward 
Bridgeport ;  and  to  Blair  to  join  him  at  this  latter  place. 

"  At  daylight,  on  the  seventeenth,  the  pursuit  was  renewed, 
with  McClemand's  corps  in  the  advance.  The  enemy  was  found 
strongly  posted  on  both  sides  of  the  Black  river.  At  this  point 
on  Black  river  the  bluffs  extend  to  the  water's  edge  on  the 
west  bank.  On  the  east  side  is  an  open, .cultivated  bottom  of 
near  one  mile  in  width,  surrounded  by  a  bayou  of  stagnant  water, 
from  two  to  three  feet  in  depth,  and  from  ten  to  twenty  feet  in 
width,  from  the  river  above  the  railroad  to  the  river  below.  Fol 
lowing  the  inside  line  of  the  bayou  the  enemy  had  constructed 
rifle-pits,  with  the  bayou  to  serve  as  a  ditch  on  the  outside  and 
immediately  in  front  of  them.  Carr's  division  occupied  the  right 
in  investing  this  place,  and  Lawler's  brigade  the  right  of  his 
division.  After  a  few  hours'  skirmishing,  Lawler  discovered 
that  by  moving  a  portion  of  his  brigade  under  cover  of  the  river 
bank,  he  could  get  a  position  from  which  that  place  could  be 
successfully  assaulted,  and  ordered  a  charge  accordingly.  Not 
withstanding  the  level  ground  over  which  a  portion  of  his  troops 
had  to  pass  without  cover,  and  the  great  obstacle  of  the  ditch 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GKANT. .     113 

in  front  of  the  enemy's  works,  the  charge  was  gallantly  and  suc 
cessfully  made,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  entire  garrison  with 
seventeen  pieces  of  artillery  were  the  trophies  of  this  brilliant 
and  daring  movement.  The  enemy  on  the  west  bank  of  the 
river  immediately  set  fire  to  the  railroad  bridge  and  retreated, 
thus  cutting  off  all  chance  of  escape  for  any  portion  of  his  forces 
remaining  on  the  east  bank. 

"  Sherman,  by  this  time,  had  reached  Bridgeport,  on  Black 
river  above.  The  only  pontoon  train  with  the  expedition  waa 
with  him.  By  the  morning  of  the  eighteenth  he  had  crossed 
the  river,  and  was  ready  to  march  on  Walnut  Hills.  McCler- 
nand  and  McPherson  built  floating  bridges  during  the  night, 
and  had  them  ready  for  crossing  their  commands  by  eight  A.M. 
of  the  eighteenth. 

"The  march  was  commenced  by  Sherman  at  an  early  hour  by 
the  Bridgeport  and  Vicksburg  road,  turning  to  the  right  when 
within  three  and  a  half  miles  of  Vicksburg,  to  get  possession  of 
Walnut  Hills  and  Yazoo  river.  This  was  successfully  accom 
plished  before  the  night  of  the  eighteenth.  McPherson  crossed 
Black  river  above  the  Jackson  road,  and  came  into  the  same  road 
with  Sherman,  but  to  his  rear.  He  arrived  after  nightfall  with 
his  advance  to  where  Sherman  turned  to  the  right.  McCler- 
nand  moved  by  the  Jackson  and  Vicksburg  road  to  Mount  Al- 
bans,  and  there  turned  to  the  left  to  get  into  Baldwin's  Ferry 
road.  By  this  disposition  the  three  army  corps  covered  all  the 
ground  their  strength  would  admit  of,  and  by  the  morning  of  the 
nineteenth,  the  investment  of  Vicksburg  was  made  as  complete 
as  could  be  by  the  forces  under  my  command. 

"  During  the  day  there  was  continuous  skirmishing,  and  I  was 
not  without  hope  of  carrying  the  enemy's  works.  Relying  upon 
the  demoralization  of  the  enemy  in  consequence  of  repeated  de 
feats  outside  of  Vicksburg,  I  ordered  a  general  assault  at  two 
P.M.  on  this  day. 

"  The  Fifteenth  army  corps,  from  having  arrived  in  front  of 
the  enemy's  works  in  time  on  the  eighteenth  to  get  a  good  posi 
tion,  were  enabled  to  make  a  vigorous  assault.  The  Thirteenth 
and  Seventeenth  corps  succeeded  no  further  than  to  gain  ad 
vanced  positions,  covered  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  The 
twentieth  and  twenty-first  were  spent  in  perfecting  communica 
tions  with  our  supplies.  Most  of  the  troops  had  been  marching 
and  fighting  battles  for  twenty  days,  on  an  average  of  about  five 
days'  rations,  drawn  from  the  commissary  department.  Though 
they  had  not  suffered  from  short  rations  up  to  this  time,  the  want, 
of  bread  to  accompany  the  other  rations  was  beginning  to  be 
much  felt.  On  the  twenty-first  my  arrangements  for  drawing 
supplies  of  every  description  being  complete,  I  determined  to 
make  another  effort  to  carry  Vicksburg  by  assault.  There  wore 
many  reasons  to  determine  me  to  adopt  this  course.  I  believed 
an  assault  from  the  position  gained  by  this  time  could  be  made 


114     .LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

successfully.  It  was  known  that  Johnston  was  at  Canton  with 
the  force  taken  by  him  from  Jackson,  reinforced  by  other  troops 
from  the  east,  and  that  more  were  daily  reaching  him.  With 
the  force  I  had,  a  short  time  must  have  enabled  him  to  attack 
me  in  the  rear,  and  possibly  succeeded  in  raising  the  siege. 
Possession  of  Yicksburg  at  that  time  would  have  enabled  me 
to  have  turned  upon  Johnston  and  driven  him  from  the  State, 
and  possess  myself  of  all  the  railroads  and  practical  military 
highways,  thus  effectually  securing  to  ourselves  all  territory 
west  of  the  Tombigbee,  and  this  before  the  season  was  too  far 
advanced  for  campaigning  in  this  latitude.  I  would  have  saved 
Government  sending  large  reinforcements,  much  needed  else 
where  ;  and,  finally,  the  troops  themselves  were  impatient  to 
possess  Vicksburg,  and  would  not  have  worked  in  the  trenches 
with  the  same  zeal,  believing  it  unnecessary,  that  they  did  after 
their  failure  to  carry  the  enemy's  works.  Accordingly  on  the 
twenty-first  orders  were  issued  for  a  general  assault  on  the 
whole  line,  to  commence  at  ten  A.M.  on  the  twenty-second.  All 
the  corps  commanders  set.  their  time  by  mine,  that  there  should 
be  no  difference  between  them  in  movement  of  assault.  Promptly 
at  the  hour  designated,  the  three  army  corps,  then  in  front  of  the 
enemy's  works,  commenced  the  assault.  I  had  taken  a  com 
manding  position  near  McPhcrson's  front,  and  from  which  I 
could  see  all  the  advancing  columns  from  his  corps,  and  a  part 
of  each  of  Sherman's  and  McClernand's.  A  portion  of  the 
commands  of  each  succeeded  in  planting  their  flags  on  the  outer 
slopes  of  the  enemy's  bastions,  and  maintained  them  there  until 
night.  Each  corps  had  many  more  men  than  could  possibly  be 
used  in  the  assault,  over  such  ground  as  intervened  between 
them  and  the  enemy.  More  men  could  only  avail  in  case  of 
breaking  through  the  enemy's  line,  or  in  repelling  a  sortie.  The 
assault  was  gallant  in  the  extreme  on  the  part  of  all  the  troops, 
but  the  enemy's  position  was  too  strong,  both  naturally  and 
artificially,  to  be  taken  in  that  way.  At  every  point  assaulted, 
ar/d  at  all  of  them  at  the  same  time,  the  enemy  was  able  to 
show  all  the  force  his  works  could  cover.  .  The  assault  failed,  I 
regret  to  say,  with  much  loss  on  our  side  in  killed  and  wounded  ; 
but  without  weakening  the  confidence  of  the  troops  in  their 
ability  to  ultimately  succeed. 

"  No  troops  succeeded  in  entering  any  of  the  enemy's  works, 
with  the  exception  of  Sergeant  Griffith,  of  the  Twenty-first 
Iowa  volunteers,  and  some  eleven  privates  of  the  same  regi 
ment.  Of  these,  none  returned  except  the  Sergeant  and,  pos 
sibly,  one  man.  The  work  entered  by  him,  from  its  position, 
could  give  us  no  practical  advantage,  unless  others  to  the  right 
and  left  of  it  were  carried  and  held  at  the  same  time. 

"About  twelve  M.,  I  received  a  despatch  from  McClernand, 
that  he  was  hard  pressed  at  several  points ;  in  reply  to  which  I 
directed  him  to  reinforce  the  points  hard  pressed  from  such 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GKANT.        115 

troops  as  he  had  that  were  not  engaged.  I  then  rode  round  to 
Sherman,  and  had  just  reached  there,  when  I  received  a  second 
despatch  from  McClernand,  stating  positively  and  unequivocally 
that  he  was  in  possession  of  and  still  held  two  of  the  enemy's 
forts  ;  that  the  American  flag  then  waved  over  them  ;  and  ask 
ing  me  to  have  Sherman  and  McPherson  make  a  diversion  in 
his  favor.  This  despatch  I  showed  to  Sherman,  who  imme 
diately  ordered  a  renewal  of  the  assault  on  his  front.  I  also  s<-nt 
an  answer  to  McClernand,  directing  him  to  order  up  McArthur 
to  his  assistance,  and  started  immediately  to  the  position  I  had 
just  left,  on  McPherson's  line,  to  convey  to  him  the  information 
from  McClernand  by  this  last  despatch,  that  he  might  make  the 
diversion  requested.  Before  reaching  McPherson  I  met  a  mes 
senger  with  a  third  despatch  from  McClernand,  of  which  the 
following  is  a  copy  : 

"  'HEAD-QUARTERS,  THIRTEENTH  ARMY  CORPS 
"  '  IN  THE  FIELD,  NEAR  VICKSBURG,  Miss.,  May  '2'2d,  1863. 

"'  GENERAL:  We  have  gained  the  enemy's  intrenchments  at 
several  points,  but  are  brought  to  a  stand.  I  have  sent  word  to 
McArthur  to  reinforce  me  if  he  can.  Would  it  not  be  best  to 
concentrate  the  whole  or  a  part  of  his  command  on  this  point  ? 

"  '  JOHN  A.  MC^LERNAND, 
"  'Major -General  Commanding. 

"  '  MAJOR-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT.' 

"  '  P.S. — I  have  just  received  your  despatch.  My  troops  are  all 
engaged,  and  I  cannot  withdraw  any  to  reinforce  others. 

"'  McC.' 

"  The  position  occupied  by  me  during  most  of  the  time 
of  the  assault  gave  me  a  better  opportunity  of  seeing  what 
was  going  on  in  front  of  the  Thirteenth  army  corps  than  I  be 
lieved  it  possible  for  the  commander  of  it  to  have.  I  could  not 
see  his  possession  of  forts,  nor  necessity  for  reinforcements,  as 
represented  in  his  despatches,  up  to  the  time  I  left  it,  which  was 
between  twelve  M.,  and  one  P.M.,  and  I  expressed  doubts  of  their 
correctness,  which  doubt  the  facts  subsequently,  but  too  late, 
confirmed.  At  the  time  I  could  not  disregard  his  reiterated 
statements,  for  they  might  possibly  be  true  ;  and  that  no  possi 
ble  opportunity  of  carrying  the  enemy's  stronghold  should  be 
allowed  to  escape  through  fault  of  mine,  I  ordered  Qninby's 
division,  which  was  all  of  McPherson's  corps  then  present,  but 
four  brigades,  to  report  to  McClernand,  and  notify  him  of  the 
order.  I  showed  his]  despatches  to  McPherson,  as  I  had  to 
Sherman,  to  satisfy  him  of  the  necessity  of  an  active  diversion 
on  their  part  to  hold  as  much  force  in  their  fronts  as  possible. 
The  diversion  was  promptly  and  vigorously  made,  and  resulted 
in  the  increase  of  our  mortality  list  full  fifty  per  cent.,  without 
advancing  our  position  or  giving  us  other  advantages. 

"About  half-past  three  P.M.,  I  received  McClernand's  fourth 
despatch,  as  follows  : 


116        LIFE    OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

"  '  HEAD-QUARTERS,  THIRTEENTH  ARMY  CORPS, 

"  'May  22d,  1863. 

" '  GENERAL  :  I  have  received  your  despatch  in  regard  to  Gen 
eral  Quinby's  division  and  General  McArthur's  division.  As 
soon  as  they  arrive  I  will  press  the  enemy  with  all  possible 
speed,  and  doubt  not  I  will  force  my  way  through.  I  have  lost 
no  ground.  My  men  are  in  two  of  the  enemy's  forts,  but  they 
are  commanded  by  rifle-pits  in  the  rear.  Several  prisoners  have 
been  taken,  who  intimate  that  the  rear  is  strong.  At  this  mo 
ment  I  am  hard  pressed.  "  '  JOHN  A.  MCCLERNAND, 

"  l Major- General  Commanding. 
"  '  MAJOR-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"  'Department  of  the  Tennessee.' 

"  The  assault  of  this  day  proved  the  quality  of  the  soldiers  of 
this  army.  Without  entire  success,  and  with  a  heavy  loss,  there 
was  no  murmuring  or  complaining,  no  falling  back,  nor  other 
evidence  of  demoralization. 

"After  the  failure  of  the  twenty-second,  I  determined  upon  a 
regular  siege.  The  troops  now  being  fully  awake  to  the  neces 
sity  of  this,  worked  diligently  and  cheerfully.  The  work  pro 
gressed  rapidly  and  satisfactorily  until  the  third  of  July,  when 
all  was  about  ready  for  a  final  assault. 

"  There  was  a  great  scarcity  of  engineer  officers  in  the  begin 
ning,  but  under  the  skilful  superintendence  of  Captain  F.  E. 
Prime,  of  the  Engineer  corps,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Wilson,  of 
my  staff,  and  Captain  C.  B.  Comstock,  of  the  Engineer  corps, 
who  joined  this  command  during  the  siege,  such  practical  ex 
perience  was  gained  as  would  enable  any  division  of  this  army 
hereafter  to  conduct  a  siege  with  considerable  skill  in  the 
absence  of  regular  engineer  officers. 

"  On  the  afternoon  of  the  third  of  July  a  letter  was  received 
from  Lieutenant-General  Pemberton,  commanding  the  con 
federate  forces  at  Vickburg,  proposing  an  armistice,  and  the 
appointment  of  commissioners  to  arrange  terms  for  the  capitu 
lation  of  the  place.  The  correspondence,  copies  of  which  are 
herewith  transmitted,  resulted  in  the  surrender  of  the  city  and 
garrison  of  Vicksburg  at  ten  o'clock  A.M.,  July  fourth,  1863,  on 
the  following  terms  :  '  The  entire  garrison,  officers  and  men,  were 
to  be  paroled,  not  to  take  up  arms  against  the  United  States 
until  exchanged  by  the  proper  authorities  ;  officers  and  men  each 
to  be  furnished  with  a  parole,  signed  by  himself;  officers  to 
be  allowed  their  side-arms  and  private  baggage,  and  the  field, 
staff,  and  cavalry  officers  one  horse  each  ;  the  rank  and  file  to 
be  allowed  all  their  clothing,  but  no  other  property  ;  rations  from 
their  own  stores  sufficient  to  last  them  beyond  our  lines  ;  the 
necessary  cooking  utensils  for  preparing  their  food  ;  and  thirty 
wagons  to  transport  such  articles  as  could  not  well  be  carried 
These  terms  I  regarded  more  favorable  to  the  Government  than 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        117 

an  unconditional  surrender.  It  saved  us  the  transportation  of 
them  North,  which  at  that  time  would  have  been  very  difficult, 
owing  to  the  limited  amount  of  river  transportation  on  hand,  and 
the  expense  of  subsisting  them.  It  left  our  army  free  to  operate 
against  Johnston,  who  threatened  us  from  the  direction  of  Jack 
son  ;  and  our  river  transportation  to  be  used  for  the  movement 
of  troops  to  any  point  the  exigency  of  the  service  might  require. 

"  I  deem  it  proper  to  state  here,  in  order  that  the  Correspon 
dence  may  be  fully  understood,  that  after  my  answer  to  General 
Pemberton's  letter  of  the  morning  of  the  third,  we  had  a  personal 
interview  on  the  subject  of  the  capitulation. 

"  The  particulars  and  incidents  of  the  siege  will  be  contained 
in  the  reports  of  division  and  corps  commanders,  which  will  be 
forwarded  as  soon  as  received. 

"  I  brought  forward  during  the  siege,  in  addition  to  Lau- 
man's  division  and  four  regiments  previously  ordered  from 
Memphis,  Smith's  and  Kimball's  divisions  of  the  Sixteenth 
army  corps,  and  assigned  Major-General  0.  0.  Washburne  to 
command  of  the  same.  On  the  eleventh  of  June,  Major-Gen 
eral  F.  J.  Herron's  division  from  the  department  of  the 
Missouri  arrived  ;  and  on  the  fourteenth  two  divisons  of  the 
Ninth  army  corps,  Major-General  J.  G.  Parke  commanding, 
arrived.  This  increase  in  my  force  enabled  me  to  make  the 
investment  more  complete,  and  at  the  same  time  left  me  a 
large  reserve  to  watch  the  movements  of  Johnston.  Herron's 
division  was  put  in  position  on  the  extreme  left  south  of  the  city, 
and  Lauman's  division  was  placed  between  Herron  and  McCler- 
nand.  Smith's  and  Kimball's  divisions  and  Parke's  corps  were 
sent  to  Haines'  Bluff.  This  place  I  had  fortified  to  the  land 
side  and  every  preparation  made  to  resist  a  heavy  force.  Johns 
ton  crossed  Big  Black  river  with  a  portion  of  his  foroe,  and 
every  thing  indicated  that  he  would  make  an  attack  about  the 
twenty-fifth  of  June.  Onr  position  in  front  of  Vicksburg  having 
been  made  as  strong  against  a  sortie  from  the  enemy  as  his 
works  were  against  an  assault,  I  placed  Major-General  Sherman 
in  command  of  all  the  troops  designated  to  look  after  Johnston. 
The  force  intended  to  operate  against  Johnston,  in  addition  to  that 
at  Haines'  Bluff,  was  one  division  from  each  of  the  Thirteenth, 
Fifteenth,  and  Seventeenth  army  corps,  and  Lauman's  division. 
Johnston,  however,  not  attacking,  1  determined  to  attack  him 
the  moment  Vicksburg  was  in  our  possession,  and  accordingly 
notified  Sherman  that  I  should  again  make  an  assault  on  Vicks 
burg  at  daylight  on  the  sixth,  and  for  him  to  have  up  supplies 
of  all  descriptions  ready  to  move  upon  receipt  of  orders,  if  the 
assault  should  prove  a  success.  His  preparations  were  imme 
diately  made,  and  when  the  place  surrendered  on  the  fourth,  two 
days  earlier  than  I  had  fixed  for  the  attack,  Sherman  was  found 
ready  arid  moved  at  once  with  a  force  increased  by  the  remainder 
of  both  the  Thirteenth  and  Fifteenth  army  corps,  and  is  at 
present  investing  Jackson,  where  Johnston  has  made  a  stand. 


118        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

"In  the  march  from  Bruinsburg  to  Vicksburg,  covering  a 
period  of  twenty  days,  before  supplies  could  be  obtained  from 
government  stores,  only  five  days'  rations  were  issued,  and  three 
day?  of  those  were  taken  in  haversacks  at  the  start,  and  were 
soon  exhausted.  All  other  subsistence  was  obtained  from  the 
country  through  which  we  passed.  The  march  was  commenced 
without  wagons,  except  such  as  could  be  picked  up  through  the 
country.  The  country  was  abundantly  supplied  with  corn, 
bacon,  beef  and  mutton.  The  troops  enjoyed  excellent  health, 
and  no  army  ever  appeared  in  better  spirit  or  felt  more  confident 
of  success. 

"  In  accordance  with  previous  instructions,  Major-General  S. 
A.  Hurlbut  started  Colonel  (now  Brigadier-General)  B.  H. 
Grierson,  with  a  cavalry  force,  from  La  Grange,  Tennessee,  to 
make  a  raid  through  the  central  portion  of  the  State  of  Missis 
sippi,  to  destroy  railroads  and  other  public  property,  for  *the 
purpose  of  creating  a  diversion  in  favor  of  the  army  moving  to 
the  attack  on  Vicksburg.  On  the  seventeenth  of  April  this  ex 
pedition  started,  and  arrived  at  Baton  Rouge  on  the  second  of 
May,  having  successfully  traversed  the  whole  State  of  Missis 
sippi.  This  expediVon  was  skilfully  conducted  and  reflects 
great  credit  on  Colonel  Grierson  and  all  of  his  command.  The 
notice  given  this  raid  by  the  Southern  press  confirms  our  esti 
mate  of  its  importance.  It  has  been  one  of  the  most  brilliant 
cavalry  exploits  of  the  war,  and  will  be  handed  down  in  history 
as  an  example  to  be  imitated.  Colonel  Grierson's  report  is 
herewith  transmitted. 

"I  cannot  close  this  report  without  an  expression  of  thank 
fulness  for  my  good  fortune  in  being  placed  in  co-operation  with 
an  officer  of  the  navy  who  accords  to  every  move  that  seems  for 
the  interest  and  success  of  our  arms  his  hearty  and  energetic 
support.  Admiral  Porter  and  the  very  efficient  officers  under  him 
have  ever  shown  the  greatest  readiness  in  their  co-operation,  no 
matter  what  was  to  be  done  or  what  risk  to  be  taken,  either  by 
their  men  or  their  vessels.  Without  this  prompt  and  cordial 
support  my  movements  would  have  beeri  much  embarrassed, 
if  not  wholly  defeated. 

"  Captain  J.  U.  Shirk,  commanding  the  Tuscumbia,  was 
especially  active  and  deserving  of  the  highest  commendation 
for  his  personal  attention  to  the  repairing  of  the  damage  done 
our  transports  by  the  Vicksburg  batteries. 

"  The  result  of  this  campaign  has  been  the  defeat  of  the 
enemy  in  five  battles  outside  of  Vicksburg ;  the  occupation  of 
Jackson,  the  capital  of  the  State  of  Mississippi,  and  the  cap 
ture  of  Vicksburg  and  its  garrison  and  munitions  of  war  ;  a  loss 
to  the  enemy  of  thirty-seven  thousand  (37,000)  prisoners  ; 
among  whom  were  fifteen  general  officers  ;  at  least  ten  thou 
sand  killed  and  wounded,  and  among  the  killed  Generals  Tracy, 
Tilghman,  and  Green,  and  hundreds  perhaps  thousands  of  strag- 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        119 

glers,  who  can  never  be  collected  and  reorganized.  Arms  and 
munitions  of  war  for  an  army  of  sixty  thousand  men  have  fallen 
into  our  hands,  besides  a  large  amount  of  other  public  property, 
consisting  of  railroads,  locomotives,  cars,  steamboats,  cotton, 
etc.,  and  much  was  destroyed  to  prevent  our  capturing  it. 

"Our  loss  in  the  series  of  battles  may  be  summed  up  as  follows : 

Killed.         Wounded.     Missing. 

PortGibson 130....       718....       5 

Fourteen-Mile  Creek  (skirmish) 4 24 

Raymond 69....       341 32 

Jackson 40....       240 6 

Champion's  Hill 426.:..    1,842 189 

Big  Black  Railroad  Bridge 29 242....       2 

Yicksburg 245....    3,688....  303 

"  Of  the  wounded,  many  were  but  slightly  wounded,  and  con 
tinued  on  duty  ;  many  more  required  but  a  few  days  or  weeks  for 
their  recovery.  Not  more  than  one-half  of  the  wounded  were 
permanently  disabled. 

"  My  personal  staffs  and  chiefs  of  departments  have  in  all 
cases  rendered  prompt  and  efficient  service. 

"  In  all  former  reports  I  have  failed  to  make  mention  of  Com- 

Smy  A,  Fourth  regiment  Illinois  cavalry  volunteers,  Capt.  S.  D. 
sband  commanding.  This  company  has  been  on  duty  with  me 
as  an  escort  company  since  November,  1861,  and  in  every  en 
gagement  I  have  been  in  since  that  time,  rendered  valuable  ser 
vice,  attracting  general  attention  for  their  exemplary  conduct, 
soldierly  bearing,  and  promptness.  It  would  not  be  overstating 
the  merits  of  this  company  to  say  that  many  of  them  would  fill 
with  credit  any  position  in  a  cavalry  regiment. 

"  For  the  brilliant  achievements  recounted  in  this  report,  the 
army  of  the  Tennessee,  their  comrades  of  the  Ninth  army  corps, 
Herron's  division  of  the  army  of  the  frontier,  and  the  navy  co 
operating  with  them,  deserve  the  highest  honors  their  country 
can  award. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Colonel,  very  respectfully,  your  obe 
dient  servant,  "  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Major-General  U.  S.  A.  Commanding. 
"Colonel  J.  C.  KELTON, 
"Assistant  Adjutant-General,  Washington,  D.  C" 

OFFICIAL    CORRESPONDENCE. 

The  following  is  the  correspondence  referred  to  in  the 
report : 

"  HKAD-QUARTKRS,  YICKSBURG,  July  3d,  1863. 

"Major- General  GRANT,  Commanding  U.  S.  Forces: 

"  GENERAL  :  I  have  the  honor  to  propose  to  you  an  armistice 
for  —  hours,  with  a  view  to  arranging  terms  for  the  capitulation 


120        LIFE    OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

of  Vicksburg.  To  this  end,  if  agreeable  to  you,  I  will  appoint 
three  commissioners,  to  meet  a  like  number  to  be  named  by 
yourself,  at  such  place  and  hour  to-day  as  you  may  find  con 
venient.  I  make  this  proposition  to  save  the  further  effusion  of 
blood,  which  must  otherwise  be  shed  to  a  frightful  extent,  feeling 
myself  fully  able  to  maintain  my  position  for  a  yet  indefinite 
period.  This  communication  will  be  handed  you  under  a  flag 
of  truce,  by  Major-General  James  Bowen. 

"  Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  J.  C.  PEMBERTOF." 

To  this  General  Grant  replied  as  follows : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  TENNESSEE, 

"  IN  THE  FIELD,  NEAR  VICKSBURG,  July  3d,  18b'8. 
" Lieutenant- General  J.  C.  Pemberton,  Commanding  'Confed 
erate'  Forces,  etc. : 

"  GENERAL: — Your  note  of  this  date,  just  received,  proposes  an 
armistice  of  several  hours,  for  the  purpose  of  arranging  terms 
of  capitulation  through  commissioners  to  be  appointed,  etc. 
The  effusion  of  blood  you  propose  stopping  by  this  course,  can 
be  ended  at  any  time  you  may  choose,  by  an  unconditional  sur 
render  of  the  city  and  garrison.  Men  who  have  slfowu  so  much 
endurance  and  courage  as  those  now  in  Vicksburg,  will  always 
challenge  the  respect  of  an  adversary,  and  I  can  assure  you,  will 
be  treated  with  all  the  respect  due  them  as  prisoners  of  war.  I 
do  not  favor  the  proposition  of  appointing  commissioners  to 
arrange  terms  of  capitulation,  because  I  have  no  other  terms 
than  those  indicated  above. 

"  I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"U.  S.  GRANT,  Major- General." 

General  Bowen,  the  bearer  of  General  Pemberton 's 
letter,  expressed  a  strong  desire  to  converse  with  General 
Grant,  but  General  Grant  declining  this,  requested  General 
Smith  to  say,  that  if  General  Pemberton  desired  to  see 
him,  an  interview  would  be  granted  between  the  lines  in 
McPherson's  front,  at  any  hour  which  General  Pemberton 
might  appoint.  A  message  was  soon  sent  back  appointing 
three  o'clock  as  the  hour.  General  Grant  was  there  with 
his  staff,  and  with  Generals  Ord,  McPherson,  Logan,  and 
A.  J.  Smith.  General  Pemberton  came  late,  attended  by 
General  Bowen  and  Colonel  Montgomery.  The  conver 
sation  was  held  apart  between  General  Pemberton  and  his 
officers,  and  Generals  Grant,  McPherson,  and  A.  J.  Smith. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        121 

The  rebels  insisted  on  being  paroled  and  marched  beyond 
our  lines,  with  eight  days  rations  drawn  from  their  own 
stores,  the  officers  to  retain  their  private  property  and 
body-servants.  General  Grant  heard  what  they  had  to 
say,  and  left  them  at  the  end  of  an  hour  and  a  half,  saying 
that  he  would  send  in  his  ultimatum  in  writing,  to  which 
General  Pemberton  promised  to  reply  before  night,  hos 
tilities  to  cease  in  the  mean  time. 

General  Grant  then  conferred  with  his  corps  and  division 
commanders,  and  sent  the  following  letter  to  General  Pem 
berton  by  the  hands  of  General  Logan  and  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Wilson  : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  TENNESSEE, 

"NEAR  VICKSBURG,  July  3d,  1863. 
"Lieut.- General  J.   C.  Pemberton,   Commanding   Confederate 

forces,  VicJcsburg,  Miss.: 

"GENERAL  :  In  conformity  with  the  agreement  of  this  afternoon 
I  will  submit  the  following  propositions  for  the  surrender  of  the 
city  of  Vicksburg.  public  stores,  etc.  On  your  accepting  the 
terms  proposed,  I  will  march  in  one  division  as  a  guard,  and  take 
possession  at  eight  A.M.  to-morrow.  As  soon  as  paroles  can  be 
made  out  and  signed  by  the  officers  and  men,  you  will  be  allowed 
to  march  out  of  our  lines,  the  officers  taking  with  them  their 
regimental  clothing,  and  staff,  field  and  cavalry  officers  one  horse 
each.  The  rank  and  file  will  be  allowed  all  their  clothing,  but 
no  other  property.  If  these  conditions  are  accepted,  any  amount 
of  rations  you  may  deem  necessary  can  be  taken  from  the  stores 
you  now  have,  and  also  the  necessary  cooking  utensils  for  pre 
paring  them,  and  thirty  wagons  also,  counting  two  two-horse  or 
mule  teams  as  one.  You  will  be  allowed  to  transport  such 
articles  as  cannot  be  carried  along.  The  same  conditions  will 
be  allowed  to  all  sick  and  wounded  officers  and  privates,  as  fast 
as  they  become  able  to  travel.  The  paroles  of  these  latter  must 
be  signed,  however,  whilst  officers  are  present  authorized  to  sign 
the  roll  of  prisoners. 

"  I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"U.  S.  GRANT,  Major -General" 


To  this  the  following  reply  was  sent : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  YICKSBURG,  July  3d,  18G3. 
"  Major  -General  Grant,  Commanding  U.  S.  Forces: 

"  GENERAL  :    I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  communication  of  this  date,  proposing  terms  for  the  sur- 


122        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

render  of  this  garrison  and  post.  In  the  main  your  terms  are 
accepted  ;  but  in  justice  both  to  the  honor  and  spirit  of  my 
troops,  manifested  in  the  defence  of  Vicksburg,  I  have  the  honor 
to  submit  the  following  amendments,  which,  if  acceded  to  by 
you,  will  perfect  the  agreement  between  us  at  ten  o'clock  to 
morrow.  I  propose  to  evacuate  the  works  in  and  around  Vicks 
burg,  and  to  surrender  the  city  and  garrison  under  my  command 
by  marching  out  with  my  colors  and  arms,  and  stacking  them  in 
front  of  my  present  lines — after  which  you  will  take  possession  ; 
officers  to  retain  their  side-arms  and  personal  property,  and  the 
rights  and  property  of  citizens  to  be  respected. 

u  I  am,  General,  yours,  very  respectfully, 

"  J.  C.  PEMBERTON,  Lieut. -General." 

To  this  General  Grant  immediately  replied  as  follows : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  TENNESSEE, 

"  BEFORE  VICKSBURG,  July  4ih,  1863. 

"Lieutenant-General    Pemberton,    Commanding    Forces    in 
Vicksburg  : 

"  GENERAL  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  your  communi 
cation  of  the  third  of  July.  The  amendments  proposed  by  you 
cannot  be  acceded  to  in  full.  It  will  be  necessary  to  furnish 
every  officer  and  man  with  a  parole  signed  by  himself,  which, 
with  the  completion  of  the  rolls  of  prisoners,  will  necessarily 
take  some  time.  Again,  I  can  make  no  stipulation  with  regard 
to  the  treatment  of  citizens  and  their  private  property.  While 
I  do  not  propose  to  cause  any  of  them  any  undue  annoyance  or 
loss,  I  cannot  consent  to  leave  myself  under  restraint  by  stipu 
lations.  The  property  which  officers  can  be  allowed  to  take  with 
them  will  be  as  stated  in  the  proposition  of  last  evening — that 
is,  that  officers  will  be  allowed  their  private  baggage  and  side- 
arms,  and  mounted  officers  one  horse  each.  If  you  mean  by 
your  proposition  for  each  brigade  to  march  to  the  front  of  the 
lines  now  occupied  by  it,  and  stack  their  arms  at  ten  o'clock  A.M., 
and  then  return  to  inside  and  remain  as  prisoners  until  properly 
paroled,  I  will  make  no  objections  to  it'.  Should  no  modification 
be  made  of  your  acceptance  of  my  terms  by  nine  o'clock,  A.M.,  I 
shall  regard  them  as  having  been  rejected,  and  act  accordingly. 
Should  these  terms  be  accepted,  white  flags  shall  be  displayed 
along  your  lines  to  prevent  such  of  my  troops  as  may  not  have 
been  notified  from  firing  upon  your  men. 

'•  I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"U.  S.  GRANT,  Major-General  U.S.A." 

To  this  the  subjoined  answer  was  received : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  VICKSBURG,  July  4£/i,  1863. 
" Major-General  U.S.  Grant,  Commanding  U.  S.  Forces: 
"  GENERAL  :   I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        123 

your  communication  of  this  date,  and  in  reply  to  say  that  the 
terms  proposed  by  you  are  accepted. 

"  Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  J.  C.  PEMBERTON,  Lieut. -General" 

THE  INTERVIEW  BETWEEN  GENERAL  GRANT 
AND  THE  REBEL  PEMBERTON. 

The  following  account  of  the  interview  between  the 
generals  commanding  the  opposing  armies,  is  given  by  an 

eye-witness : 

"At  three  o'clock  precisely,  one  gun,  the  pre-arranged  signal, 
was  fired,  and  immediately  replied  to  by  the  enemy.  General 
Pemberton  then  made  his  appearance  on  the  works  in  McPher- 
son's  front,  under  a  white  flag,  considerably  on  the  left  of  what 
is  known  as  Fort  Hill.  General  Grant  rode  through  our 
trenches  until  he  came  to  an  outlet,  leading  to  a  small  green 
space,  which  had  not  been  trod  by  either  army.  Here  he  dis 
mounted,  and  advanced  to  meet  General  Pemberton,  with  whom 
he  shook  hands,  and  greeted  familiarly. 

"  It  was  beneath  the  outspreading  branches  of  a  gigantic  oak 
that  the  conference  of  the  generals  took  place.  Here  presented 
the  only  space  which  had  not  been  used  for  some  purpose  or 
other  by  the  contending  armies.  The  ground  was  covered  with 
a  fresh,  luxuriant  verdure ;  here  and  there  a  shrub  or  a  clump 
of  bushes  could  be  seen  standing  out  from  the  green  growth  wn 
the  surface,  while  several  oaks  filled  up  the  scene,  and  gave  it 
character.  Some  of  the  trees  in  their  tops  exhibited  the  effects 
of  flying  projectiles,  by  the  loss  of  limbs  or  torn  foliage,  and  in 
their  trunks  the  indentations  of  smaller  missiles  plainly  marked 
the  occurrences  to  which  they  had  been  silent  witnesses. 

"The  party  made  up  to  take  part  in  the  conference  was  com- 
posed  as  follows  : 

"  United  States  Officers. 

"  Major-General  U.  S.  Grant. 

"  Major-General  James  B.  McPherson. 

"  Brigadier-General  A.  J.  Smith. 

"Rebel  Officers. 

"  Lieutenant-General  John  C.  Pemberton. 

"  Major-General  Bo  wen. 

"  Colonel  Montgomery,  A.  A.-G.  to  General  Pemberton. 

"When  Generals  Grant  and  Pemberton  met  they  shook 
hands,  Colonel  Montgomery  introducing  the  party.  A  short 
silence  ensued,  at  the  expiration  of  which  General  Pemberton 
remarked  : 


124-        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GKANT. 

" '  General  Grant,  I  meet  you  in  order  to  arrange  terms  for 
the  capitulation  of  the  city*  of  Yicksburg  and  its  garrison. 
What  terms  do  you  demand  ?' 

"  '  Unconditional  surrender,1  replied  General  Grant. 

'"Unconditional  surrender!'    said    Pemberton.     'Never,  so 
long  as  I  have  a  man  left  me!     I  will  fight  rather.' 
%  "  *  Then,  sir,  you  can  continue  the  defence,'  coolly  said  Gen 
eral  Grant.     '  My  army  has  never  been  in  a  better  condition  for 
the  prosecution  of  the  siege.' 

"  During  the  passing  of  these  few  preliminaries,  General 
Pemberton  was  greatly  agitated,  quaking  from  head  to  foot, 
while  General  Grant  experienced  all  his  natural  self-possession, 
and  evinced  not  the  least  sign  of  embarrassment. 

"After  a  short  conversation  standing,  by  a  kind  of  mutual 
tendency  the  two  generals  wandered  off  from  the  rest  of  the 
party  and  seated  themselves  on  the  grass,  in  a  cluster  of  bushes, 
where  alone  they  talked  over  the  important  events  then  pending. 
General  Grant  could  be  seen,  even  at  that  distance,  talking 
coolly,  occasionally  giving  a  few  puffs  at  his  favorite  companion 
— his  black  cigar.  General  McPherson,  General  A.  J.  Smith, 
General  Bowen,  and  Colonel  Montgomery,  imitating  the  ex 
ample  of  the  commanding  generals,  seated  themselves  at  some 
distance  off,  while  the  respective  staffs  of  the  generals  formed 
another  and  larger  group  in  the  rear. 

"After  a  lengthy  conversation  the  generals  separated.  Gen 
eral  Pemberton  did  not  come  to  any  conclusion  on  the  matter, 
but  stated  his  intention  to  submit  the  matter  to  a  council  of 
general  officers  of  his  command ;  and,  in  the  event  of  their 
assent,  the  surrender  of  the  city  should  be  made  in  the  morning. 
Until  morning  was  given  him  to  consider,  to  determine  upon  the 
matter,  and  send  in  his  final  reply.  The  generals  now  rode  to 
their  respective  quarters." 

The  same  correspondent,  under  date  of  July  4th,  1863, 
writes  as  follows  : 

"  Having  a  few  hours  leisure  this  morning,  prior  to  the  ar 
rival  of  the  despatch  from  General  Pemberton,  stating  he  was 
ready  to  surrender,  I  took  occasion  to  visit  General  Grant,  and 
found  everybody  about  his  head-quarters  in  a  state  of  the  liveliest 
statisfaction.  It  was  evident  the  glorious  events  of  the  day  were 
duly  appreciated. 

"The  General  I  found  in  conversation  more  animated  than  I 
have  ever  known  him.  He  is  evidently  contented  with  the  man 
ner  in  which  he  has  acquitted  himself  of  the  responsible  task 
which  has  for  more  than  five  months  engrossed  his  mind  and  his 
array.  The  consummation  is  one  of  which  he  may  well  be 
proud.  From  Bruinsburg  to  Vicksburg,  nineteen  days,  presents 
one  of  the  most  active  records  of  marches,  actions,  and  victories 
of  the  war.  All  the  combined  operations  of  our  armies,  for  a 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        125 

similar  length  of  time,  cannot  equal  it.  It  is  unparalleled,  the 
only  campaign  of  the  war  which  has  involved  celerity  of  move 
ment,  attack,  victory,  pursuit,  and  the  annihilation  of  the 
enemy." 

THE  COMMANDER  AND  HIS  MEN. 
During  this  campaign  General  Grant  shared  all  the 
hardships  of  his  men,  frequently  sleeping  in  the  open  air 
and  having  for  his  daily  food  the  ration  of  the  private 
soldier.  It  is  also  stated  that  he  had  neither  horse  nor 
servant,  overcoat  nor  blanket,  and  that  his  only  baggage 
was  a  tooth  brush.  Throughout  the  progress  of  the  siege 
this  great  commander  was  ever  present,  and  even  the  most 
unimportant  movements  received  his  close  attention,  while 
during  an  engagement,  his  appearance  upon  the  field  of 
battle  encouraged  his  brave  men  to  deeds  of  valor  which 
have  been  rarely  equalled  in  their  brilliancy.  On  the 
seventh  of  May  he  issued  the  following  address : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  TENNESSEE,  IN  THE  FIELD, 

"  HAWKINSON'S  FERRY,  May  Wi,  1863. 
"Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  Tennessee: 

"  Once  more  I  thank  you  for  adding  another  victory  to  the 
long  list  of  those  previously  won  by  your  valor  and  endurance. 
The  triumph  gained  over  the  enemy  near  Port  Gibson,  on  the 
1st,  was  one  of  the  most  important  of  the  war.  The  capture  of 
five  cannon,  and  more  than  one  thousand  prisoners,  the  posses 
sion  of  Grand  Gulf,  and  a  firm  foothold  on  the  highlands  between 
the  Big  Black  and  Bayou  Pierre,  from  whence  we  threaten  the 
whole  line  of  the  enemy,  are  among  the  fruits  of  this  brilliant 
achievement. 

"  The  march  from  Milliken's  Bend  to  the  point  opposite  Grand 
Gulf  was  made  in  stormy  weather,  over  the  worst  of  roads. 
Bridges  and  ferries  had  to  be  constructed.  Moving  by  night  as 
well  as  by  day,  with  labor  incessant,  and  extraordinary  priva 
tions  endured  by  men  and  officers,  such  as  have  been  rarely 
paralleled  in  any  campaign,  not  a  murmur  of  complaint  has  been 
uttered.  A  few  days  continuance  of  the  same  zeal  and  con 
stancy  will  secure  to  this  army  crowning  victories  over  th<? 
rebellion. 

"  More  difficulties  and  privations  are  before  us.  Let  us  en 
dure  them  manfully.  Other  battles  are  to  be  fought.  Let  uf 
fight  them  bravely.  A  grateful  country  will  rejoice  at  our  suc 
cess,  and  history  will  record  it  with  immortal  honor. 

"  U.  S.  GRANT, 
"Major- General  Commanding." 


126        LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

THE    REBEL    LOSS    DURING    THE    SIEGE. 

The  loss  of  the  rebels  in  men  and  material  during  the 
campaign  may  be  summed  up  as  follows :  one  Lieutenant- 
General,  nineteen  Major  and  Brigadier- Generals,  four  thou 
sand  six  hundred  field,  staff  and  line  officers,  and  thirty 
thousand  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  taken 
prisoners  ;  killed  in  battles  and  skirmishes  one  thousand  ; 
wounded,  four  thousand  ;  captured  in  the  hospitals,  six 
thousand  ;  and  stragglers  eight  hundred,  making  a  grand 
total  of  forty-six  thousand  four  hundred  and  twenty  men. 
They  also  lost  ninety  siege-guns,  two  hundred  and  eleven 
pieces  of  field  artillery  and  forty-five  thousand  small  arms. 

A  TRIBUTE  FROM    GENERAL   HALLECK— THE 
PRESIDENT  THANKS  THE  VICTOR. 

General  Halleck,  in  his  annual  report  of  military  opera 
tions  in  Mississippi,  pays  the  following  just  compliment 
to  the  hero  of  Vicksburg  : 

"  When  we  consider  the  character  of  the  country  in  which 
this  army  operated,  the  formidable  obstacles  to  be  overcome,  the 
number  of  forces  and  the  strength  of  the  enemy's  works,  w«* 
cannot  fail  to  admire  the  courage  and  endurance  of  the  troops, 
and  the  skill  and  daring  of  their  commander.  No  more  bril 
liant  exploit  can  be  found  in  military  history.  It  has  been 
alleged,  and  the  allegation  has  been  widely  circulated  by  the 
press,  that  General  Grant  in  the  conduct  of  his  campaign  posi 
tively  disobeyed  the  instructions  of  his  superiors.  It  is  hardly 
necessary  to  remark,  that  General  Grant  never  disobeyed  an 
order  or  instruction,  but  always  carried  out  to  the  best  of  his 
ability  every  wish  or  suggestion  made  to  him  by  the  government. 
Moreover,  he  has  never  complained  that  the  government  did  not 
furnish  him  all  the  means  and  assistance  in  its  power  to  facili 
tate  the  execution  of  any  plan  he  saw  fit  to  adopt. 

"  Whilst  the  main  army  of  Tennessee  was  operating  against 
Vicksburg,  the  enemy's  force  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  made 
unsuccessful  attacks  on  Milliken's  Bend  and  Lake  Providence, 
on  the  6th  and  10th  of  June.  Our  loss  in  the  former  was  101 
killed,  285  wounded,  and  206  missing.  The  loss  in  the  latter 
was  not  reported.  It  is  represented  that  the  colored  troops  in 
these  desperate  engagements  fought  with  great  bravery,  '*vd 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         127 

that  the  rebels  treated  this  class  of  prisoners  of  war,  as  well  as 
their  officers,  with  great  barbarity.  It  has  not  been  possible 
however  to  ascertain  the  correctness  of  these  representations  in 
regard  to  the  treatment  of  these  prisoners. 

"After  the  capture  of  Vicksburg,  General  Grant  reported  that 
his  troops  were  so  much  fatigued  and  worn  out  with  forced 
marches  and  the  labors  of  the  siege,  as  to  absolutely  require 
several  weeks  of  repose  before  undertaking  another  campaign. 
Nevertheless,  as  the  exigencies  of  the  service  seemed  to  require 
it,  he  sent  out  those  who  were  least  fatigued  on  several  important 
expeditions,  while  the  others  remained  at  Vicksburg  to  put  that 
place  in  a  better  defensive  condition  for  a  small  garrison." 

The  following  letter  was  written  some  days  after  the 
capitulation  by  President  Lincoln  : 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  WASHINGTON,  July  13th,  1863. 
"  To  Major- General  GRANT  : 

"  MY  DEAR  GENERAL  : — I  do  not  remember  that  you  and  I 
ever  met  personally.  I  write  this,  now,  as  a  grateful  acknowl 
edgment  for  the  almost  inestimable  service  you  have  done  the 
country.  I  wish  to  say  a  word  further.  When  you  first  reached 
the  vicinity  of  Vicksburg,  I  thought  you  should  do  what  you 
fiual.ly  did,  march  the  troops  across  the  neck,  run  the  batteries 
with  the  transports,  and  thus  go  below ;  and  I  never  had 
any  faith,  except  a  general  hope  that  you  knew  better  than  I, 
that  the  Yazoo  Pass  expedition,  and  the  like,  could  succeed. 
When  you  got  below  and  took  Port  Gibson,  Grand  Gulf,  and 
vicinity,  I  thought  you  should  go  down  the  river  and  join  General 
Banks  ;  and  when  you  turned  northward,  east  of  the  Big  Black, 
I  feared  it  was  a  mistake.  I  now  wish  to  make  a  personal  ac 
knowledgment  that  you  were  right,  and  I  was  wrong. 

"  Yours,  very  truly,  "A.  LINCOLN." 

HOW     THE    NEWS    WAS     RECEIVED     NORTH 
AND    SOUTH. 

Tbe  intelligence  of  the  glorious  consummation  of  Gen 
eral  Grant's  plans  was  received  with  the  most  unbounded 
deligbt  by  tbe  people  of  the  country,  and  the  praise 
awarded  to  the  gallant  soldiers  who  had  achieved  the  vic 
tories,  and  to  their  skilful  commander,  was  not  in  the  least 
lessened  by  the  equally  glad  tidings  which  had  been 
wafted  to  their  ears  from  the  valleys  of  Pennsylvania. 
"  Gettysburg  and  Vicksburg"  was  tbe  watchword  which 


128        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

issued  from  the  lips  of  every  patriot,  and  throughout  the 
length  and  breadth  of  the  loyal  States,  old  and  young, 
male  and  female,  united  in  one  hymn  of  thanksgiving  to 
the  Almighty,  by  whose  will  our  armies  in  the  East  and 
West  had  met  with  so  much  success.  Even  the  Southern 
journals,  while  lamenting  their  losses,  did  not  hesitate,  to 
award  honor  to  General  Grant,  as  the  following  extract 
from  an  editorial  published  in  one  of  these  treasonable 
sheets  will  show : 

"We  pardon,"  says  the  journalist,  "General  Grant's 
smoking  a  cigar  as  he  entered  the  smouldering  ruins  of 
the  town  of  Vicksburg.  A  little  stage  effect  is  admissible 
in  great  captains,  considering  that  Napoleon  at  Milan  wore 
the  little  cocked  hat  and  sword  of  Marengo,  and  that  snuff 
was  the  inevitable  concomitant  of  victory  in  the  great 
Frederick.  General  Grant  is  a  noble  fellow,  and  by  the 
terms  of  capitulation  which  he  accorded  to  the  heroic  gar 
rison,  showed  himself  as  generous  as  Napoleon  was  to 
Wurmser  at  the  surrender  of  Mantua.  His  deed  will  read 
well  in  history,  and  he  has  secured  to  himself  a  name 
which  posterity  will  pronounce  with  veneration  and  grati 
tude.  There  is  no  general  in  this  country,  or  in  Europe, 
that  has  done  harder  work  than  General  Grant,  and  none 
that  has  better  graced  his  victories  by  the  exercise  of 
humanity  and  virtue.  What  we  learn  of  the  terms  of 
capitulation  is  sufficient  to  prove  General  Grant  to  be  a 
generous  soldier  and  a  man.  A  truly  brave  man  respects 
bravery  in  others,  and  when  the  sword  is  sheathed,  con 
siders  himself  free  to  follow  the  dictates  of  humanity. 
General  Grant  is  not  a  general  that  marks  his  progress  by 
proclamations  to  frighten  unarmed  men,  women,  and  chil- 
dren  ;  he  fulminates  no  arbitrary  edicts  against  the  press; 
he  does  not  make  war  on  newspapers  and  their  corres 
pondents  ;  he  flatters  no  one  to  get  himself  puffed  ;  but  he 
is  terrible  in  arms  and  magnanimous  after  the  battle.  Go 
on,  brave  General  Grant ;  pursue  the  course  you  have 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.        129 

marked  out  for  yourself,  and  Clio,  the  pensive  muse,  as 
she  records  your  deeds,  will  rejoice  at  her  manly  theme." 

THE  FALL  OF  PORT  HUDSON. 

The  fall  of  Vicksburg  made  Port  Hudson  untenable,  and 
on  the  eighth  of  July,  1863,  it  was  surrendered  to  General 
Banks,  with  fifty-one  pieces  of  artillery,  five  thousand  stand 
of  arms,  a  large  amount  of  ammunition  and  stores,  and 
nearly  six  thousand  men  and  officers,  including  two  Gen 
erals. 

THE  PURSUIT  AFTER  THE  SURRENDER  OF 
VICKSBURG— THE  REOPENING  OF  THE  MIS 
SISSIPPI. 

Immediately  after  the  surrender  of  Vicksburg,  General 
Sherman  was  ordered  by  the  commander-in-chief  to  move 
on  the  rebel  leader  Joseph  E.  Johnston,  who,  it  was  un 
derstood,  was  preparing  to  attack  him  in  the  rear,  and  oti 
the  sixth  of  July  he  was  investing  Jackson,  Mississippi. 
On  the  eleventh  a  cavalry  force  captured  in  a  house  near 
Jackson  the  private  library  of  Jefferson  Davis,  and  several 
bushels  of  letters  belonging  to  the  same  individual,  many 
of  the  most  important  of  which  were  subsequently  given 
to  the  public  through  the  columns  of  the  loyal  press ;  and 
on  the  following  day  another  detachment  destroyed  the 
railroad  east  of  Jackson.  On  the  thirteenth  an  unsuc 
cessful  attack  was  made  by  the  enemy,  and  on  th*»  night 
of  the  sixteenth,  Johnston  evacuated  Jackson,  apd  tied 
towards  Meridian.  One  brigade  moved  immediately  fo* 
ward,  and,  dashing  into  the  town,  raised  the  flag  of  th^ 
Union  on  the  State  House. 

While  these  movements  were  in  progress,  General  Granf 
remained  at  Ticksburg  supervising  the  general  arrange 
ments  of  the  movement,  and  at  the  same  time  sending  out 
certain  important  expeditions,  which,  in  their  successful 
result,  had  great  influence  upon  the  more  extensive  pro- 


130        LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

jects  of  the  skilful  commander.  Among  these  was  one 
sent  to  Yazoo  City,  which  captured  three  hundred  prison 
ers,  six  cannon,  a  number  of  small  arms  and  eight  hundred 
horses  and  mules.  One  steamer  was  also  captured  and 
five  burned. 

The  fall  of  Jackson  ended  the  campaign,  and  for  a  brief 
period  the  victorious  troops  who  had  in  less  than  three 
months  fought  seven  hotly  contested  battles  and  numerous 
less  important  engagements,  were  given  that  rest  to  which 
their  arduous  labors  and  heroic  deeds  entitled  them. 

The  arrogant  and  implacable  foe  had  been  captured  in 
his  stronghold,  and  wherever  the  two  opposing  armies 
had  met  in  conflict,  the  evidences  of  the  superior  skill  and 
bravery  of  our  troops  were  everywhere  apparent.  But 
the  destruction  of  the  great  rebel  army  of  the  Southwest 
was  not  the  most  important  result  of  General  Grant's  cam 
paign.  There  was  another  which  had  been  awaited  with 
almost  equal  anxiety  by  the  country,  and  that  was  the  re 
opening  of  the  Mississippi  river.  The  fall  of  Yicksburg 
and  Port  Hudson  accomplished  this,  and  from  that  date 
to  the  present  time,  navigation  has  continued  uninterrupted 
along  the  entire  course  of  that  stream  from  St.  Louis  to 
New  Orleans,  except  where  guerillas,  emboldened  by  the 
absence  of  our  troops,  have  pursued  their  murderous  call 
ing  by  firing  upon  a  passing  steamer,  and  then  escaping 
to  their  coverts. 

U.  S.    GRANT    APPOINTED    MAJOR- GENERAL— 
IMPORTANT   ORDERS    ISSUED. 

General  Grant  remained  at  Vicksburg  until  the  latter 
part  of  August,  during  which  period  he  attended  zealously 
to  the  interests  of  his  Department.  His  services  were 
not  unappreciated  at  Washington,  and  he  was  appointed 
by  the  President  a  Major-General  in  the  Regular  army, 
his  commission  to  date  from  the  fourth  of  July,  1863,  the 
day  upon  which  he  had  received  the  surrender  of  Vicks- 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         131 

burg.  The  officers  of  his  command  also  evinced  their  ap 
preciation  and  regard,  by  presenting  him  with  a  costly 
sword,  the  handle  of  the  weapon  representing  a  young 
giant  crushing  the  rebellion.  On  the  twentieth  of  July 
he  gave  permission  in  a  general  order  to  five  per  centum 
of  every  military  organization  to  visit  their  homes  for 
thirty  days,  but  ordered  that  none  should  leave  who  had 
shirked  duty  or  straggled  from  their  commands,  and  on 
the  next  day  he  addressed  the  following  letter  to  the  Secre 
tary  of  the  Treasury : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  TENNESSEE, 
"  YICKSBURG,  Miss.,  July  list,  1863. 

"Sin: — Your  letter  of  the  fourth  instant  to  me,  enclosing  a 
copy  of  a  letter  of  same  date  to  Mr.  Mellen,  special  agent  of  tho 
Treasury,  is  just  received.  My  Assistant  Adjutant-General,  by 
whom  I  shall  send  this  letter,  is  about  starting  for  Washington  ; 
hence  I  shall  be  very  short  in  my  reply. 

"  My  experience  in  West  Tennessee  has  convinced  me  that 
any  trade  whatever  with  the  rebellious  States  is  weakening*  to 
us  of  at  least  thirty-three  per  cent,  of  our  force.  No  matter 
what  the  restrictions  thrown  around  trade,  if  any  whatever 
is  allowed,  it  will  be  made  the  means  of  supplying  the  enemy 
with  what  they  want.  Restrictions,  if  lived  up  to,  make  trade 
unprofitable,  and  hence  none  but  dishonest  men  go  into  it.  I 
will  venture  to  say  that  no  honest  man  has  made  money  in  West 
Tennessee  in  the  last  year,  while  many  fortunes  have  been  made 
there  during  that  time. 

"  The  people  in  the  Mississippi  Valley  are  now  nearly  subju 
gated.  Keep  trade  out  for  a  few  months,  and  I  doubt  not  but 
that  the  work  of  subjugation  will  be  so  complete,  that  trade  can 
be  opened  freely  with  the  States  of  Arkansas,  Louisiana,  and 
Mississippi ;  that  the  people  of  these  States  will  be  more  anxious 
for  the  enforcement  and  protection  of  our  laws  than  the  people 
of  the  loyal  States.  They  have  experienced  the  misfortune  of 
being  without  them,  and  are  now  in  a  most  happy  condition  to 
appreciate  their  blessings. 

"  No  theory  of  my  own  will  ever  stand  in  the  way  of  my  execut 
ing,  in  good  faith,  any  order  I  may  receive  from  those  in  authority 
over  me  ;  but  my  position  has  given  me  an  opportunity  of  seeing 
what  would  not  be  known  by  persons  away  from  the  scene  of  war, 
and  I  venture,  therefore,  to  suggest  great  caution  in  opening 
trade  with  rebels. 

"  I  am,  Sir,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"U.  S.  GRANT,  Major- General. 

"HoN.  S.  P.  CHASE  Secretary  of  the  Treasury." 


132         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

He  also  issued  an  order  forbidding  captains  of  steam 
boats  from  charging  officers  and  soldiers  exorbitant  ratea 
of  passage  between  Vicksburg  and  Cairo.  "  I  will  teach 
them,  if  they  need  the  lesson,"  said  the  gallant  General, 
"that  the  men  who  have  perilled  their  lives  to  open  the 
Mississippi  river  for  their  benefit,  cannot  be  imposed  upon 
with  impunity."  One  unprincipled,  speculative  captain, 
when  about  steaming  from  the  wharf,  was  compelled  by 
the  General  to  return  to  his  passengers  (about  two  hun 
dred  and  fifty  officers  and  one  thousand  privates)  all  the 
money  they  had  paid  for  the  trip  in  excess  of  the  officially- 
prescribed  rates  of  five  dollars  for  enlisted  men,  and  seven 
dollars  for  officers.  The  presence  of  a  guard  enforced  the 
payment,  much  to  the  delight  of  the  heroes,  who  were 
thus  afforded  another  evidence  of  the  consideration  of 
their  commander  for  his  troops. 

GENERAL  GRANT  AT  MEMPHIS— A  PUBLIC 
ENTERTAINMENT  GIVEN  TO  HIM  BY  THE 
CITIZENS. 

In  the  latter  part  of  August,  1863,  General  Grant  left 
Vicksburg  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  various  districts  of  his  De 
partment,  and  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  that  month  he  arrived 
in  Memphis,  where  he  was  received  with  all  the  honors  to 
which  his  valuable  services  entitled  him.  On  the  following 
morning  he  was  waited  upon  by  a  committee  of  citizens 
who  welcomed  him  to  Memphis,  and  inviting  him  to  a 
public  entertainment  to  take  place  the  same  evening,  pre 
sented  him  with  a  series  of  complimentary  resolutions. 

Upon  General  Grant's  appearance  in  the  hall  in  which 
the  entertainment  was  given,  the  large  number  of  persons 
assembled  there  welcomed  him  in  the  most  enthusiastic 
manner.  After  this  reception  the  guests  were  invited  into 
the  dining-room,  where,  after  partaking  of  the  substantial, 
the  regular  toasts  of  the  evening  were  read.  The  third 
of  the  series  was — 

"  GENERAL  GRANT — THE  GUEST  OF  THE  CITY." 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         133 

This  was  the  signal  for  the  most  unbounded  applause, 
and  loud  calls  were  made  for  the  hero  of  Vicksburg,  but 
to  the  disappointment  of  all  present  he  retained  his  seat, 
while  his  staff-surgeon,  Dr.  Hewitt,  arose  and  made  the 
following  brief  speech  : 

"  I  am  instructed  by  General  Grant  to  say  that,  as  tie  has 
never  been  given  to  public  speaking,  you  will  have  to  excuse 
him  on  this  occasion;  and,  as  I  am  the  only  member  of  his  staff 
present,  I  therefore  feel  it  my  duty  to  thank  you  for  this  mani 
festation  of  your  good  will,  as  also  the  numerous  other  kindnesses 
of  which  he  has  been  the  recipient  ever  since  his  arrival  among 
you.  General  Grant  believes  that  in  all  he  has  done  he  has  no 
more  than  accomplished  a  duty,  and  one,  too,  for  which  no  par 
ticular  honor  is  due.  But  the  world,  as  you  do,  will  accord 
otherwise." 

The  doctor  then  proposed,  at  General  Grant's  request — 
"  The  officers  of  the  different  staffs,  and  the  non-commis 
sioned  officers  and  privates  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee." 
Subsequently  some  beautiful  verses  were  read,  in  which 
the  discovery  of  the  Mississippi  river  by  De  Soto,  and 
the  benefits  derived  from  the  invention  of  Fulton,  who 
"  sent  his  messengers  in  smoke  and  flame  up  to  the  Mis 
sissippi's  very  font,"  were  referred  to,  and  which  con 
cluded  as  follows : 

''Then  spoke  an  enemy — and  on  his  banks 

Armed  men  appeared,  and  cannon-shot  proclaimed 

The  Mississippi  closed — that  mighty  stream 
-Found  by  De  Soto,  and  by  Fulton  won  ! 

One  thought  to  chain  him  !  ignominious  thought ! 

But  then  the  grand  old  monarch  shook  his  locks 

And  burst  his  fetters  like  a  Samson  freed  ! 

The  heights  were  crowned  with  ramparts  sheltering  those 

Whose  treason  knew  no  bounds  :  the  frowning  forts 

Belched  lightnings,  and  the  morning  gun 

A  thousand  miles  told  mournfully  the  tale, 

The  Mississippi  closed. 

"Not  long ;  from  the  Lord  God  of  Hosts  was  sent 
A  leader  who  with  patient  vigil  planned 
A  great  deliverance :  height  by  height  was  gained, 
Island  and  hill  and  woody  bank  and  cliff. 
Month  followed  month,  till  on  our  natal  day 


134        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GKRANT. 

The  last  great  barrier  fell,  and  never  more 
The  sire  of  waters  shall  obstruction  know  I 
Now  with  De  Soto's  name,  and  Fulton's,  see 
The  greater  name  of  Grant ! 

"  Our  children's  children,  noble  Grant,  shall  sing 
That  great  deliverance!     On  the  floods  of  spring 
Thy  name  shall  sparkle,  smiling  commerce  tell 
Thy  great  achievement  which  restores  the  chain, 
Never  again  to  break,  which  makes  us  one." 

The  last  toast  of  the  evening  was  as  follows  :  "  General 
Grant — Your  Grant  and  my  Grant.  Having  granted  us 
victories,  grant  us  the  restoration  of  the  "  Old  Flag"  and 
grant  us  supplies  so  that  we  may  grant  to  our  friends  this 
grant  to  us. " 

GENERAL    GRANT'S    LETTER    TO    THE    CITI 
ZENS  OF  MEMPHIS. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  entertainment,  which  was  kept 
up  with  great  spirit  until  an  early  hour  of  the  ensuing 
morning,  General  Grant  left  for  Yicksburg,  but  before  em 
barking  he  addressed  the  following  modest  and  patriotic 
letter  to  the  committee  of  citizens  : 

"  MEMPHIS,  TENN.,  August  26tfi,  1863. 

"  GENTLEMEN  : — T  have  received  a  copy  of  resolutions  passed 
by  the  'loyal  citizens  of  Memphis,  at  a  meeting  held  at  the 
rooms  of  the  Chamber  of  Commerce,  August  25th,  1863,'  ten 
dering  me  a  public  reception. 

"  In  accepting  this  testimonial,  which  I  do  at  a  great  sacri 
fice  of  my  personal  feelings,  I  simply  desire  to  pay  a  tribute  to 
the  first  public  exhibition  in  Memphis  of  loyalty  to  the  govern 
ment  which  I  represent  in  the  Department  of  the  Tennessee.  I 
should  dislike  to  refuse  for  considerations  of  personal  conveni 
ence,  to  acknowledge,  anywhere  or  in  any  form,  the  existence  of 
sentiments  which  I  have  so  long  and  so  ardently  desired  to  see 
manifested  in  this  department.  The  stability  of  this  govern 
ment  and  the  unity  of  this  nation  depend  solely  on  the  cordial 
support  and  the  earnest  loyalty  of  the  people.  While,  there 
fore,  I  thank  yoa  sincerely  for  the  kind  expressions  you  have 
used  towards  myself,  I  am  profoundly  gratified  at  this  public 
recognition,  in  the  city  of  Memphis,  of  the  power  and  authority 
of  the  government  of  the  United  vStates. 


LIFE   OF  GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         185 

"  I  thank  you,  too,  in  the  name  of  the  noble  army  which  1 
have  the  honor  to  command.  It  is  composed  of  men  whose 
loyalty  is  proved  by  their  deeds  of  heroism  and  their  willing 
sacrifices  of  life  and  health.  They  will  rejoice  with  me  that  the 
miserable  adherents  of  the  rebellion,  whom  their  bayonets  have 
driven  from  this  fair  land,  are  being  replaced  by  men  who  ac 
knowledge  human  liberty  as  the  only  true  foundation  of  human 
government.  May  your  efforts  to  restore  your  city  to  the  cause 
of  the  Union  be  as  successful  as  have  been  theirs  to  reclaim  it 
from  the  despotic  rule  of  the  leaders  of  the  rebellion.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  gentlemen,  your  very  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT,  Major- General." 

GENERAL     GRANT     IN     NEW     ORLEANS— HE 
MEETS    WITH    A    SERIOUS    ACCIDENT. 

From  Yicksburg,  General  Grant  went  to  Natchez  and 
New  Orleans,  arriving  in  the  latter  city  on  the  second  of 
September,  1863,  and  the  next  day  the  trade  of  that  empo 
rium  with  the  ports  in  the  Northwest  was  declared  free  of 
any  military  restriction.  On  the  fourth  of  September,  in 
company  with  General  Banks,  the  Commander  of  the  De 
partment,  he  reviewed  the  Thirteenth  Army  Corps,  which 
had  at  one  time  formed  a  portion  of  his  command.  An 
eye-witness  states  that  "  he  was  in  undress  uniform,  with 
out  sword,  sash  or  belt,  coat  unbuttoned,  a  low-cornered 
black  felt  hat  without  any  mark  upon  it  of  military  rank, 
and  with  a  cigar  in  his  mouth.  It  must  be  known,  how 
ever,  that  he  is  never  without  the  latter  except  when 
asleep."  General  Grant  is  an  excellent  horseman,  but  on 
the  occasion  referred  to  was  riding  a  strange  horse  and 
was  thrown  from  his  seat  to  the  ground,  and  so  seriously 
injured  that  for  some  time  it  was  apprehended  that  he 
would  be  compelled  to  relinquish  active  service  in  the  field, 
if  not  his  connection  with  the  army,  but  the  care  and  skill 
of  the  surgeon  in  a  few  weeks  restored  him  to  a  condition 
which  enabled  him  once  again  to  assume  the  charge  of  the 
armies  in  the  Southwest.  His  accident,  however,  was  of 
great  temporary  inconvenience  to  the  government,  which 
had  contemplated  giving  him  the  command  of  the  Union 
forces  moving  towards  Northwestern  Georgia. 


136         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

General  Halleck,  in  referring  to  the  subject  in  his  annual 
report,  says  : 

"As  three  separate  armies — those  of  the  Ohio,  Cumberland, 
and  Tennessee — were  now  to  operate  in  the  same  field,  it  seemed 
necessary  to  have  a  single  commander,  in  order  to  secure  a 
more  perfect  co-operation  than  had  been  obtained  with  the  sep 
arate  commands  of  Burnside  and  Rosecrans.  General  Grant, 
by  his  distinguished  services  and  superior  rank  to  all  the  other 
generals  in  the  West,  seemed  entitled  to  this  general  command. 
But,  unfortunately,  he  was  at  this  time  in  New  Orleans,  unable 
to  take  the  field.  Moreover,  there  was  no  telegraphic  com 
munication  with  him,  and  the  despatches  of  September  13th, 
directed  to  him  and  General  Sherman,  did  not  reach  them  until 
some  days  after  their  dates,  thus  delaying  the  movement  of 
General  Grant's  forces  from  Yicksburg.  General  Hurlbut,  how 
ever,  had  moved  the  troops  of  his  own  corps,  then  in  West  Ten 
nessee,  with  commendable  promptness.  These  were  to  be  re 
placed  by  reinforcements  from  Steele's  Corps  in  Arkansas, 
which  also  formed  part  of  General  Grant's  army.  Hearing 
nothing  from  General  Grant  or  General  Sherman's  Corps  at 
Yicksburg,  it  was  determined  on  the  23d  to  detach  the  Eleventh 
and  Twelfth  Corps  from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  send 
them  by  rail,  under  the  command  of  General  Hooker,  to  protect 
General  Rosecrans'  line  of  communication  from  Bridgeport  to 
Nashville." 

HE  GOES  TO  INDIANAPOLIS— APPOINTED  TO 
THE  COMMAND  OF  THE  MILITARY  DIVISION 
OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI. 

As  soon  however  as  General  Grant  was  able  to  move,  he 
started  up  the  Mississippi  to  Cairo,  stopping  at  the  differ 
ent  military  posts,  and  making  the  necessary  arrangements 
at  eacb  for  the  departure  of  the  troops  to  join  the  forces 
near  Chattanooga.  At  Yicksburg  he  organized  a  board 
of  officers,  eight  of  the  members  being  generals,  to  prepare 
and  present,  as  a  reward,  to  the  members  of  the  Seven- 
teeetb  Corps,  who  had  displayed  conspicuous  valor  on  the 
field  of  battle  or  endurance  in  the  march,  a  medal  of  honor, 
having  upon  it  the  inscription,  "Yicksburg,  July  4th,  1863." 

From  Cairo,  General  Grant  went  to  Indianapolis,  where 
he  received  a  despatch  from  the  Secretary  of  War  request 
ing  him  to  remain  at  that  point  until  he  joined  him.  They 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.         137 

soon  met,  and  the  following  order  was  handed  to  the  Gen 
eral  : 

"  WAR  DEPARTMENT,  ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 
"  WASHINGTON,  October  16th,  1863. 

"  By  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  the  De 
partments  of  the  Ohio,  of  the  Cumberland,  and  of  the  Tennessee, 
will  constitute  the  Military  Division  of  the  Mississippi.  Major- 
General  U.  S.  Grant,  United  States  army,  is  placed  in  command 
of  the  Military  Division  of  the  Mississippi,  with  his  head-quarters 
in  the  field. 

"  Major-General  W.  S.  Rosecrans,  U.  S.  Vols.,  is  relieved 
from  the  command  of  the  Department  and  Army  of  the  Cumber 
land.  Major-General  G.  H.  Thomas  is  hereby  assigned  to  that 
command. 

"  By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 

"E.  D.  TOWNSEND,  A.  A.-G" 

From  Indianapolis  they  proceeded  to  Louisville,  where 
a  large  number  of  persons  had  assembled  at  the  depot  and 
hotel  to  greet  them.  The  short  stature  of  the  General 
contrasted  greatly  with  the  huge  dimensions  of  the  assem 
bled  Kentuckians,  and  one  remarked-:  "  I  thought  he  was 
a  large  man,  but  he  would  be  considered  a  small  chance 
of  a  fighter  if  he  lived  in  Kentucky." 

On  the  eighteenth  he  issued  the  following  order : 

"  General  Orders,  No.  1. 
"HEAD-QUARTERS,  MILITARY  DIVISION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI, 

"LOUISVILLE,  KY.,  October  18th,  1863. 

"In  compliance  with  General  Orders  No.  337,  of  date  Wash 
ington,  D.  C.,  October  10th,  1863,  the  undersigned  hereby  as 
sumes  command  of  the  '  Military  Division  of  the  Mississippi, 
embracing  the  departments  of  the  Ohio,  of  the  Cumberland,  and 
of  the  Tennessee.' 

"  The  head- quarters  of  the  Military  Division  of  the  Mississippi 
will  be  in  the  field,  where  all  reports  and  returns  required  by 
the  army  regulations  and  existing  orders  will  be  made. 

"U.  S.  GRANT,  Major-General" 

The  new  command  embraced  within  its  limits  the  States 
of  Michigan,  Illinois,  Indiana,  Ohio,  Kentucky,  Tennessee, 
Mississippi,  Northern  Alabama,  and  Northwestern  Georgia, 
and  gave  to  its  commanding-general  four  large  armies  : 
that  with  which  he  had  conquered  Yicksburg  ;  the  "Army 


138         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

of  the  Cumberland ;"  the  "Army  of  the  Ohio;"  and  Gen 
eral  Hooker's  Grand  Division.  Sherman,  Thomas,  Burn- 
side,  Hooker,  and  subsequently  Foster,  were  his  army 
commanders,  and  the  following  corps  were  also  embraced 
in  the  command  : 

The  Fourth  army  corps,  General  Granger ;  the  Ninth 
army  corps,  General  Potter;  the  Eleventh  army  corps, 
General  Howard ;  the  Twelfth  arniy  corps,  General  Slo- 
cum ;  the  Fourteenth  army  corps,  General  Palmer ;  the 
Fifteenth  army  corps,  General  J.  A.  Logan  ;  the  Sixteenth 
army  corps,  General  Hurlbut ;  the  Seventeenth  army 
corps,  General  McPherson  ;  the  Twenty -third  army  corps, 
General  Manson. 

Large  as  was  the  command  thus  entrusted  to  General 
Grant,  the  strength  of  the  rebel  army  in  the  Southwest  was 
but  little  less  stupendous — troops  from  all  parts  of  the  rebel 
lious  States,  where  their  absence  from  other  fields  was  not 
detrimental  to  their  infamous  cause,  having  been  gathered 
there  by  General  Bragg  to  thwart  the  plans  of  the  Union 
commander,  and  to  hold  Kentucky  and  Middle  Tennessee. 
They  freely  acknowledged  it  was  better  to  "give  up  the 
seacoast — better  to  give  up  the  Southwest — better  to  give 
up  Richmond  without  a  struggle,  than  lose  the  golden 
field  whose  grain  and  wool  are  our  sole  hope."  They  also 
pretended  to  have  no  fear  of  General  Grant,  and  pro 
nounced  him  and  General  Thomas  two  fools,  a  remark 
which  led  President  Lincoln  to  observe,  that  "  if  one  fool 
like  Grant  can  do  as  much  work  and  win  as  profitable 
victories  as  he,  I  have  no  objection  to  two  of  them,  as 
they  would  surely  wipe  out  the  rebellion." 

GENERAL  GRANT  AT  CHATTANOOGA— HIS 
PREPARATIONS  FOR  THE  CAMPAIGN. 

On  the  twenty-first  of  October,  1863,  our  hero  arrived  at 
Nashville,  and  two  days  later  reached  Chattanooga.  The 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          139 

position  of  affairs  at  that  time  was  any  thing  but  promising. 
The  roads  over  which  the  supplies  for  the  arm}'  had  neces 
sarily  to  be  transported,  were  almost  impassible,  and  the 
soldiers  were  compelled  to  subsist  on  half  rations.  A 
large  force  of  men  was  immediately  placed  at  work  to  im 
prove  the  means  of  communication,  supplies  began  to 
come  in  in  quantity  sufficient  to  relieve  the  necessities  of 
the  soldiers,  who,  amid  all  their  deprivations  and  suffer 
ing,  were  not  dispirited,  and  thousands  of  reinforcements 
were  taken  to  Chattanooga  preparatory  to  the  commence 
ment  of  another  campaign.  The  re-occupation  of  Look 
out  Mountain,  which  had  to  be  abandoned  by  the  Union 
troops  after  the  battles  of  Chickainauga  fought  by  Rose- 
crans,  and  the  re-opening  of  the  vaMey  route,  were  the 
principal  designs  of  General  Grant ;  and  although  he 
quietly  remained,  at  Chattanooga,  to  use  the  language  of 
an  eye-witness,  with  his  briarwood  pipe,  walking  to  and 
fro  up  the  streets  of  the  town,  unattended,  many  times 
unobserved,  but  at  all  times  observing,  he  was  hourly 
adding  to  the  perfection  of  his  plans  ;  and  to  prevent  those 
plans  from  being  known  to  the  enemy,  he  issued  the  fol 
lowing  order : 

"HEAD-QUARTERS,  DIVISION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI, 

"  IN  THE  FIELD, 

"  CHATTANOOGA,  TENN.,  Nov.  5th,  1863. 

"  The  habit  of  trading  parties  of  Rebel  cavalry  visiting  towns, 
villages  and  farms  where  there  are  no  Federal  forces,  and  pil-. 
laging  Union  families,  having  become  prevalent,  department 
commanders  will  take  immediate  steps  to  abate  the  evil,  or  make 
the  loss  by  such  raids  fall  upon  secessionists  and  secession  sym 
pathizers  in  the  neighborhood  where  such  acts  are  committed. 
For  every  act  of  violence  to  the  person  of  an  unarmed  Union 
citizen,  a  secessionist  will  be  arrested  and  held  as  hostage  for 
the  delivery  of  the  offender.  For  every  dollar's  worth  of  property 
taken  from  such  citizens,  or  destroyed  by  raiders,  an  assessment, 
will  be  made  upon  secessionists  of  the  neighborhood,  and  col 
lected  by  the  nearest  military  forces,  under  the  supervision  of 
the  commander  thereof,  and  the  amount  thus  collected  paid  over 
to  the  sufferers.  When  such  assessments  cannot  be  collected 
in  money,  property  useful  to  the  Government  may  be  taken  at  a 


140       LIFE    OF  GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT. 

fair  valuation,  and  the  amount  paid  in  money  by  a  disbursing 
officer  of  the  Government,  who  will  take  such  property  upon  his 
returns.  Wealthy  secession  citizens  will  be  assessed  in  money 
and  provisions  for  the  support  of  Union  refugees  who  have  been 
and  may  be  driven  from  their  homes  and  into  our  lines  by  the 
acts  of  those  with  whom  such  secession  citizens  are  in  sympathy. 
All  collections  and  payments  under  this  order  will  be  through 
disbursing  officers  of  the  Government,  whose  accounts  must 
show  all  money  and  property  received  under  it,  and  how  dis 
posed  of. 

"  By  order  of  "  MAJOR-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 

"T.  S.  BOWERS,  Assistant  Adjutant- General:1 

THE     BATTLES     NEAR    CHATTANOOGA— GEN 
ERAL  GRANT'S  OFFICIAL  REPORT. 

Of  the  great  battles  which  took  place  in  the  vicinity  of 
Chattanooga,  no  better  account  could  be  given  than  that 
which  is  to  be  found  in  the  following  official  report  of 
the  Commanding  General : 

"HEAD-QUARTERS,  MILITARY  DIVISION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI, 

"!N  FIELD,  CHATTANOOGA,  TENN.,  Dec.  23d,  1863. 
"Colonel  J.  G.  Kelton,  Assistant  Adjutant- General,  Washing 
ton,  D.  C.: 

"COLONEL: — In  pursuance  of  General  Orders  No.  337,  War 
Department,  of  date  Washington,  October  16th,  1863,  delivered 
to  me  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  at  Louisville,  Kentucky,  on  the 
eighteenth  of  the  same  month,  I  assumed  command  of  the  '  Mili 
tary  Division  of  the  Mississippi,'  comprising  the  Departments  of 
the  Ohio,  the  Cumberland,  and  the  Tennessee,  and  telegraphed  the 
order  assuming  command,  together  with  the  order  of  the  War  De 
partment  referred  to,  to  Major-General  A.  E.  Burnside  at  Knox- 
ville,  and  Major-General  W.  S.  Rosecrans  at  Chattanooga. 

"  My  action  in  telegraphing  these  orders  to  Chattanooga,  in 
advance  of  my  arrival  there,  was  induced  by  information  fur 
nished  me  by  the  Secretary  of  War  of  the  difficulties  with 
which  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  had  to  contend,  in  supply 
ing  itself  over  a  long  mountainous  and  almost  impassable  road 
from  Stevenson,  Alabama,  to  Chattanooga,  Tennessee,  and  his 
fears  that  General  Rosecrans  would  fall  back  to  the  north  side  of 
the  Tennessee  river.  To  guard  further  against  the  possibility  of  the 
Secretary's  fears,  I  also  telegraphed  to  Major-General  Thomas  on 
the  nineteenth  of  October,  from  Louisville,  to  hold  Chattanooga 
at  all  hazards,  that  I  would  be  there  as  soon  as  possible.  To 
which  he  replied,  on  the  same  date,  '  I  will  hold  the  town  till  we 
starve.' 

"  Proceeding  directly  to  Chattanooga,  I  arrived  there  on  the 


"^  :-N    :"-~^~  — 

BATTLE    OF    CHATTANOOGA, 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        141 

twenty-third  of  October,  and  found  that  General  Thomas  had, 
immediately  on  being  placed  in  command  of  the  Department  of 
the  Cumberland,  ordered  the  concentration  of  Major-General 
Hooker's  command  at  Bridgeport,  preparatory  to  securing  the 
river  and  main  wagon-road  between  that  place  and  Brown's 
Ferry,  immediately  below  Lookout  Mountain.  The  next  morn 
ing  after  my  arrival  at  Chattanooga,  in  company  with  Thomas 
and  Brigadier-General  W.  F.  Smith,  Chief  Engineer,  I  made  a 
reconnoissance  of  Brown's  Ferry,  and  the  hills  on  the  south  side 
of  the  river  and  at  the  mouth  of  Lookout  Valley.  After  the 
reconuoissance,  the  plan  agreed  upon  was  for  Hooker  to  cross 
at  Bridgeport  to  the  south  side  of  the  river  with  all  the  force 
that  could  be  spared  from  the  railroad,  and  move  on  the  main 
wagon-road,  by  way  of  Whitesides  to  Wauhatchie,  in  Lookout 
Valley.  Major-General  J.  M.  Palmer  was  to  proceed  by  the 
only  practicable  route  north  of  the  river  from  his  position  op 
posite  Chattanooga  to  a  point  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Ten 
nessee  river  and  opposite  Whitesides,  then  to  cross  to  the  south 
side,  to  hold  the  road  passed  over  by  Hooker.  In  the  meantime, 
and  before  the  enemy  could  be  apprised  of  our  intention,  a  force 
under  the  direction  of  Brigadier-General  W.  F.  Smith,  Chief 
Engineer,  was  to  be  thrown  across  the  river  at  or  near  Brown's 
Ferry,  to  seize  the  range  of  hills  at  the  mouth  of  Lookout  Val 
ley,  covering  the  Brown's  Ferry  road,  and  orders  were  given  ac 
cordingly. 

"  It  was  known  that  the  enemy  held  the  north  end  of  Lookout 
Valley  with  a  brigade  of  troops,  and  the  road  leading  around 
the  foot  of  tile  mountain  from  their  main  camps  in  Chattanooga 
Valley  to  Lookout  Valley.  Holding  these  advantages,  he  would 
have  had  but  little  difficulty  in  concentrating  a  sufficient  force 
to  have  defeated  or  driven  Hooker  back.  To  remedy  this,  the 
seizure  of  the  range  of  hills  at  the  mouth  of  Lookout  Valley, 
and  covering  the  Brown's  Ferry  road,  was  deemed  of  the  high 
est  importance.  This,  by  the  use  of  pontoon  bridges  at  Chatta 
nooga  and  Brown's  Ferry,  would  secure  to  us,  by  the  north  bank 
of  the  river,  across  Moccasin  Point,  a  shorter  line  by  which  to 
reinforce  our  troops  in  Lookout  Valley  than  the  narrow  and 
tortuous  road  around  the  foot  of  Lookout  Mountain  afforded 
the  enemy  for  reinforcing  his. 

"  The  force  detailed  for  the  expedition  consisted  of  four  thou 
sand  men,  under  command  of  General  Smith,  Chief  Engineer ; 
eighteen  hundred  of  which,  under  Brigadier-General  W.  B. 
Hazen,  in  sixty  pontoon  boats,  containing  thirty  armed  men. 
each,  floated  quietly  from  Chattanooga,  past  the  enemy's  pickets, 
to  the  foot  of  Lookout  Mountain,  on  the  night  of  the  twenty- 
seventh  of  October,  landed  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  at 
Brown's  Ferry,  surprised  the  enemy's  pickets  stationed  there, 
and  seized  the  hills  covering  the  ferry,  without  the  loss  of  a  man 
killed,  and  but  four  or  five  wounded.  The  remainder  of  the 


142        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES     S.    GRANT. 

force,  together  with  the  materials  for  a  bridge,  was  moved  by 
the  north  bank  of  the  river  across  Moccasin  Point  to  Brown's 
Ferry,  without  attracting  the  attention  of  the  enemy,  and  before 
day  dawned  the  whole  force  was  ferried  to  the  south  bank  of  the 
river,  and  the  almost  inaccessible  heights  rising  from  Lookout 
Valley  at  its  outlet  to  the  river  and  below  the  mouth  of  Lookout 
creek,  were  secured.  By  ten  o'clock  A.M.,  an  excellent  pontoon 
bridge  was  laid  across  the  river  at  Brown's  Ferry,  thus  securing 
to  us  the  end  of  the  desired  road  nearest  the  enemy's  forces,  and 
a  shorter  line  over  which  to  pass  troops  if  a  battle  became  in 
evitable.  Positions  were  taKen  up  by  our  troops  from  which 
they  could  not  have  been  driven  except  by  vastly  superior  forces, 
and  then  only  with  great  loss  to  the  enemy.  Our  artillery  was 
placed  in  such  position  as  to  completely  command  the  roads 
leading  from  the  enemy's  main  camps  in  Chattanooga  Valley  to 
Lookout  Valley. 

"  On  the  twenty-eighth  Hooker  emerged  into  Lookout  Val 
ley  at  Wauhatchie,  by  the  direct  road  from  Bridgeport,  by  way 
of  Whitesides  to  Chattanooga,  with  the  Eleventh  Army  Corps, 
under  Major-General  Howard,  and  Geary's  division  of  the  Twelfth 
army  corps,  and  proceeded  to  take  up  positions  for  the  defence 
of  the  road  from  Whitesides,  over  which  he  had  marched,  and 
also  the  road  leading  from  Brown's  Ferry  to  Kelly's  Ferry, 
throwing  the  left  of  Howard's  corps  forward  to  Brown's  Ferry. 
The  division  that  started,  under  command  of  Palmer,  for  White- 
sides,  reached  its  destination,  and  took  up  the  position  intended 
in  the  original  plan  of  this  movement.  These  movements,  so 
successfully  executed,  secured  to  us  two  comparatively  good 
lines  by  which  to  obtain  supplies  from  the  terminus  of  the  rail 
road  at  Bridgeport,  namely:  The  main  wagon-road,  by  way  of 
Wrhitesides,  Wauhatchie,  and  Brown's  Ferry,  distant  but 
twenty-eight  miles,  and  the  Kelly's  Ferry  and  Brown's  Ferry 
roads,  which,  by  the  use  of  the  river  from  Bridgeport  to  Kelly's 
Ferry,  reduced  "the  distance  for  wagoning  to  but  eight  miles. 

"  Up  to  this  period  our  forces  at  Chattanooga  were  practi 
cally  invested,  the  enemy's  lines  extending  from  the  Tennessee 
river  above  Chattanooga  to  the  river  at  and  below  the  point  of 
Lookout  Mountain  below  Chattanooga,  with  the  south  bank  of 
the  river  picketed  to  near  Bridgeport,  his  main  force  being  forti 
fied  in  Chattanooga  Valley,  at  the  foot  of  and  on  Mission  Ridge 
and  Lookout  Mountain,  and  a  brigade  in  Lookout  Valley.  True, 
we  held  possession  of  the  country  north  of  the  river,  but  it  was 
from  sixty  to  seventy  miles  over  the  most  impracticable  roads  to 
carry  supplies.  The  artillery-horses  and  rnules  had  become  so 
reduced  by  starvation  that  they  could  not  have  been  relied  on 
foi  moving  any  thing.  An  attempt  at  retreat  must  have  been 
with  men  alone,  and  with  only  such  supplies  as  they  could  carry. 
A  retreat  would  have  been  almost  certain  annihilation,  for  the 
enemy,  occupying  positions  within  gunshot  of  and  overlooking 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.       143 

our  very  fortifications,  would  unquestionably  have  pursued  our 
retreating  forces.  Already  more  than  ten  thousand  animals  had 
perished  in  supplying  half  rations  to  the  troops  by  the  long  and 
tedious  route  from  Stevenson  and  Bridgeport  to  Chattanooga, 
over  Waldron's  Kidge.  They  could  not  have  been  supplied 
another  week. 

"  The  enemy  was  evidently  fully  apprised  of  our  condition  in 
Chattanooga,  and  of  the  necessity  of  our  establishing  a  new  and 
shorter  line  by  which  to  obtain  supplies,  if  we  would  maintain 
our  position  ;  and  so  fully  was  he  impressed  with  the  importance 
of  keeping  from  us  these  lines — lost  to  him  by  surprise,  and  in  a 
manner  he  little  dreamed  of — that,  in  order  to  regain  possession 
of  them,  a  night  attack  was  made  by  a  portion  of  Longstreet's 
forces  on  a  portion  of  Hooker's  troops  (Geary's  division  of  the 
Twelfth  corps),  the  first  night  after  Hooker's  arrival  in  the 
valley.  This  attack  failed,  however,  and  Howard's  corps, 
which  was  moving  to  the  assistance  of  Geary,  finding  that  it 
was  not  required  by  him,  carried  the  remaining  heights  held  by 
the  enemy  west  of  Lookout  creek.  This  gave  us  quiet  posses 
sion  of  the  lines  of  communication  heretofore  described,  south 
of  the  Tennessee  river.  Of  these  operations  I  cannot  speak 
more  particularly,  the  sub-reports  having  been  sent  to  Washing 
ton  without  passing  through  my  hands. 

"  By  the  use  of  two  steamboats,  one  of  which  had  been  left 
at  Chattanooga  by  the  enemy,  and  fell  into  our  hands,  and  one" 
that  had  been  built  by  us  at  Bridgeport  and  Kelly's  Ferry,  we 
were  enabled  to  obtain  supplies  with  but  eight  miles  of  wagon 
ing.  The  capacity  of  the  railroad  and  steamboats  was  not  suf 
ficient,  however,  to  supply  all  the  wants  of  the  army,  but  actual 
suffering  was  prevented. 

"Ascertaining  from  scouts  and  deserters  that  Bragg  was  de 
taching  Longstreet  from  the  front,  and  moving  him  in  the 
direction  of  Knoxville,  Tennessee,  evidently  to  attack  Burnside, 
and,  feeling  strongly  the  necessity  of  some  move  that  would 
compel  him  to  retain  all  his  forces  and  recall  those  he  had  de 
tached,  directions  were  given  for  a  movement  against  Mission 
Ridge,  with  a  view  to  carrying  it  and  threatening  the  enemy's 
communication  with  Longstreet,  of  which  I  informed  Burnside 
by  telegraph  on  the  seventh  of  November.  After  a  thorough 
recon noissance  of  the  ground,  however,  it  was  deemed  utterly 
impracticable  to  make  the  move  until  Sherman  could  get  up, 
because  of  the  inadequacy  of  our  force  and  the  condition  of 
the  animals  then  at  Chattanooga;  and  I  was  forced  to  leave 
Burnside,  for  the  present,  to  contend  against  superior  forces  of 
the  enemy  until  the  arrival  of  Sherman,  with  his  men  and 
means  of  transportation.  In  the  meantime,  reconnoissances 
were  made  and  plans  matured  for  operations.  Despatches  were 
Rent  to  Sherman  informing  him  of  the  movement  of  Longstreet, 
and  the  necessity  of  his  immediate  presence  at  Chattanooga. 


144:        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    Ss    GRANT. 

"  On  the  14th  of  November,  1863,  I  telegraphed  to  Burnside 
as  follows  : 

"  'Your  despatch  and  Dana's  just  received.  Being  there  you 
can  tell  better  how  to  resist  Longstreet's  attack  thun  I  can  direct. 
With  your  showing,  you  had  better  give  up  Kingston  at  the  last 
moment  and  save  the  most  productive  part  of  your  possessions. 
Every  arrangement  is  now  made  to  throw  Sherman's  force 
across  the  river,  just  at  and  below  the  mouth  of  Chickamauga 
Creek.  As  soon  as  it  arrives,  Thomas  will  attack  on  his  left  at 
the  same  time,  and  together  it  is  expected  to  carry  Mission 
Ridge,  and  from  there  push  a  force  on  to  the  railroad,  between 
Cleveland  and  Dalton.  Hooker  will  at  the  same  time  attack, 
and,  if  he  can,  carry  Lookout  Mountain.  The  enemy  now  seems 
to  be  looking  for  an  attack  on  his  left  flank.  This  favors  us. 
To  further  confirm  this,  Sherman's  advance  division  will  march 
direct  from  Whitesides  to  Trenton.  The  remainder  of  his  force 
will  pass  over  a  new  road  just  made  from  Whitesides  to  Kelly's 
Ferry,  this  being  concealed  from  the  enemy,  and  leave  him  to 
suppose  the  whole  force  is  going  up  Lookout  Valley.  Sher 
man's  advance  has  only  just  reached  Bridgeport.  The  rear  will 
only  reach  there  on  the  16th.  This  will  bring  it  to  the  19th  as 
the  earliest  day  for  making  the  combined  movement  as  desired. 
Inform  me  if  you  think  you  can  sustain  yourself  until  that  time. 
I  can  hardly  conceive  of  the  enemy  breaking  through  at  Kings 
ton,  and  pushing  for  Kentucky.  If  they  should,  however,  a  new 
problem  would  be  left  for  solution.  Thomas  has  ordered  a  divi 
sion  of  cavalry  to  the  vicinity  of  Sparta.  I  will  ascertain  if 
they  have  started,  and  inform  you.  It  will  be  entirely  out  of 
the  question  to  send  you  ten  thousand  men  ;  not  because  they 
cannot  be  spared,  but  how  could  they  be  fed  after  they  got  one 
day  east  of  here.  "  '  U.  S.  GRANT,  Major-General. 

"'To  Major-General  A.  E.  BURNSIDE.' 

"  On  the  15th,  having  received  from  the  General-in-chief  a 
despatch  of  date  the  14th,  in  reference  to  Burnside's  position,  the 
danger  of  his  abandonment  of  East  Tennessee  unless  immediate 
relief  was  afforded,  and  the  terrible  misfortune  such  a  result 
would  be  to  our  arms,  and  also  despatches  from  Mr.  C.  A.  Dana, 
Assistant  Secretary  of  War,  and  Colonel  Wilson,  of  my  staff, 
sent  at  the  instance  of  General  Burnside,  informing  me  more 
fully  of  the  condition  of  affairs  as  detailed  to  them  by  him,  I 
telegraphed  him  as  follows  : 


"'  CHATTANOOGA,  November  15tfi,  1863. 

"  'I  do  not  know  how  to  impress  on  you  the  necessity  of  hold- 
ing  on  to  East  Tennessee,  in  strong  enough  terms.  According 
to  the  despatches  of  Mr.  Dana  and  Colonel  Wilson,  it  would 
seem  that  you  should,  if  pressed  to  do  it,  hold  on  to  Knoxville 
and  that  portion  of  the  valley  you  will  necessarily  possess,  hold 
ing  to  that  point.  Should  Longstreet  move  his  whole  force 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        145 

across  the  Little  Tennessee,  an  effort  should  be  made  to  cut  his 
pontoons  on  that  stream,  even  if  it  sacrificed  half  the  cavalry  of 
the  Ohio  Army.  By  holding  on  and  placing  Longstreet  be 
tween  the  Little  Tennessee  and  Knoxville,  he  should  not  be 
allowed  to  escape  with  an  army  capable  of  doing  any  thing  this 
winter.  I  can  hardly  conceive  the  necessity  of  retreating  from 
East  Tennessee.  If  I  did  at  all,  it  would  be  after  losing  most  of 
the  army,  and  then  the  necessity  would  suggest  the  route.  I 
will  not  attempt  to  lay  out  a  line  of  retreat.  Kingston,  look- 
ing  at  the  map,  I  thought  of  more  importance  than  any  one 
point  in  East  Tennessee.  But  my  attention  being  called  more 
closely  to  it,  I  can  see  that  it  might  be  passed  by,  and  Knox 
ville  and  the  rich  valley  about  it  possessed,  ignoring  that  place 
entirely.  I  should  not  think  it  advisable  to  concentrate  a  force 
near  Little  .Tennessee  to  resist  the  crossing  if  it  would  be  in 
danger  of  capture,  but  I  would  harass  and  embarrass  progress  in 
every  way  possible,  reflecting  on  the  fact  that  the  Army  of  the 
Ohio  is  not  the  only  army  to  resist  the  onward  progress  of  the 
enemy.  "'U.  S.  GRANT,  Major- General. 

"'To  Major-General  A.  E.  BUBNSIDB.' 

"  Previous  reconnoissances,  made  first  by  Brigadier-General 
W.  F.  Smith,  Chief  Engineer,  and  afterward  by  Generals 
Thomas,  Sherman,  and  myself  in  company  with  him,  of  the 
country  opposite  Chattanooga  and  north  of  the  Tennessee  River, 
extending  as  far  east  as  the  mouth  of  the  South  Chickamanga 
and  the  north  end  of  Mission  Ridge,  so  far  as  the  same  could  be 
made  from  the  north  bank  of  the  river  without  exciting  sus 
picions  en  the  part  of  the  enemy,  showed  good  roads  from 
Brown's  Ferry  up  the  river  and  back  of  the  first  range  of  hills 
opposite  Chattanooga,  and  out  of  view  of  the  enemy's  positions. 
Troops  crossing  the  bridge  at  Brown's  Ferry  could  be  seen  and 
their  numbers  estimated  by  the  enemy;  but  not  seeing  anything 
further  of  them  as  they  passed  up  in  rear  of  these  hills,  he  would 
necessarily  be  at  a  loss  to  know  whether  they  were  moving  to 
Knoxville.  or  held  on  the  north  side  of  the  river  for  future  opera 
tions  at  Chattanooga.  It  also  showed  that  the  north  end  of 
Mission  Ridge  was  imperfectly  guarded,  and  that  the  banks  of 
the  river,  from  the  mouth  of  South  Chickamauga  Creek  west 
ward  to  his  main  line  in  front  of  Chattanooga,  were  watched  only 
by  a  small  cavalry  picket.  This  determined  the  plan  of  opera 
tions  indicated  in  my  despatch  of  the  14th  to  Bui-nside. 

"  Upon  further  consideration — the  great  object  being  to  mass 
all  the  forces  possible  against  one  given  point,  namely,  Mission 
Ridge,  converging  toward  the  north  end  of  it — it  was  deemed 
best  to  change  the  original  plan,  so  far  as  it  contemplated 
Hooker's  attack  on  Lookout  Mountain,  which  would  give  us 
Howard's  corps  of  his  command  to  aid  in  this  purpose  ;  and  on 
the  I8th  the  following  instructions  were  given  Thomas  :  "All 
preparations  should  be  made  for  attacking  the  enemy's  position 


146        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

on  Mission  Ridge  by  Saturday  at  daylight.  Not  being  provided 
with  a  map  giving  names  of  roads,  spurs  of  the  mountain,  and 
other  places,  such  definite  instructions  can  not  be  given  as  might 
be  desirable.  However — the  general  plan,  you  understand^  is 
for  Sherman,  with  the  force  brought  with  him  strengthened  by  a 
division  from  your  command,  to  effect  a  crossing  of  the  Tennes 
see  river  just  below  the  mouth  of  Chickamauga — his  crossing  to 
be  protected  by  artillery  from  the  heights  on  the  north  bank  of 
the  river  (to  be  located  by  your  Chief  of  Artillery),  and  to  secure 
the  heights  from  the  northern  extremity  to  about  the  railroad 
tunnel,  before  the  enemy  can  concentrate  against  him.  You 
will  co-operate  with  Sherman.  The  troops  in  Chattanooga  Val 
ley  should  be  well  concentrated  on  your  left  flank,  leaving  only 
the  necessary  force  to  defend  the  fortifications  on  the  right  and 
centre,  and  a  movable  column  of  one  division  in  readiness  to 
move  wherever  ordered.  This  division  should  show  itself  as 
threateningly  as  possible  on  the  most  practicable  line  for  making 
an  attack  up  the  valley.  Your  effort  then  will  be  to  form  a 
junction  with  Sherman,  making  your  advance  well  toward  the 
northern  end  of  Mission  Ridge,  and  moving  as  near  simulta 
neously  with  him  as  possible.  The  junction  once  formed,  and 
the  Ridge  carried,  communications  will  be  at  once  established 
between  the  two  armies,  by  roads  on  the  south  bank  of  the  river. 
Further  movements  will  then  depend  on  those  of  the  enemy. 
Lookout  Valley,  I  think,  will  be  easily  held  by  Geary's  division 
and  what  troops  you  may  still  have  then  belonging  to  the  old 
Army  of  the  Cumberland.  Howard's  corps  can  then  be  held  in 
readiness  to  act  either  with  you  at  Chattanooga  or  with  Sher 
man.  It  should  be  marched  on  Friday  night  to  a  position  on 
the  north  side  of  the  river,  not  lower  down  than  the  first  pontoon 
bridge,  and  then  held  in  readiness  for  such  orders  as  may  become 
necessary.  All  these  troops  will  be  provided  with  two  days' 
cooked  rations  in  haversacks,  and  one  hundred  rounds  of  am 
munition  on  the  person  of  each  infantry  soldier.  Special  care 
should  be  taken  by  all  officers  to  see  that  ammunition  is  not 
wasted  or  unnecessarily  fired  away.  You  will  call  on  the  En 
gineer  Department  for  such  preparations  as  you  may  deem 
necessary  for  carrying  your  infantry  and  ariillery  over  the  creek. 

"  '  U.  8,  GRANT,  Major-General. 
"  '  To  Major-General  GEORGE  H.  THOMAS.' 

"  A  copy  of  these  instructions  was  furnished  Sherman,  with 
the  following  communication  : 

"  '  Inclosed  herewith  I  send  you  a  copy  of  instructions  to  Major- 
General  Thomas.  You  having  been  over  the  ground,  in  person, 
and  having  heard  the  whole  matter  discussed,  further  instruc 
tions  will  not  be  necessary  for  you.  It  is  particularly  desirable 
that  a  force  should  be  got  through  to  the  railroad,  between 
Cleveland  and  Dalton,  and  Longstreet  thus  cut  off  from  com 
munication  with  the  South ;  but  being  confronted  by  a  large 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         147 

force  here,  strongly  located,  it  is  not  easy  to  tell  how  this  is  to 
be  effected,  until  the  result  of  our  first  effort  is  known.  I  will 
add,  however,  what  is  not  shown  in  my  instructions  to  Thomas, 
that  a  brigade  of  cavalry  has  been  ordered  here,  which,  if  it 
arrives  in  time,  will  be  thrown  across  the  Tennessee,  above 
Chickamauga,  and  maybe  able  to  make  the  trip  to  Cleveland,  or 
thereabouts.  '"  U.  S.  GRANT,  Major- General. 

"'To  Major-General  W.  T.  SHERMAN.' 

"  Sherman's  forces  were  moved  from  Bridgeport  by  way  of 
Whitesides — one  division  threatening  the  enemy's  left  flank,  in 
the  direction  of  Trenton — crossing  at  Brown's  Ferry,  up  the 
north  bank  of  the  Tennessee  to  near  the  mouth  of  South  Chicka 
mauga,  where  they  were  kept  concealed  from  the  enemy  until 
they  were  ready  to  force  a  crossing.  Pontoons,  for  throwing  a 
bridge  across  the  river,  were  built  and  placed  in  North  Chicka 
mauga,  near  its  mouth,  a  few  miles  further  up,  without  attracting 
the  attention  of  the  enemy.  It  was  expected  we  would  be  able 
to  effect  the  crossing  on  the  21st  of  November;  but,  owing  to 
heavy  rains,  Sherman  was  unable  to  get  up  until  the  afternoon 
of  the  23d.  and  then  only  with  General  Morgan  L.  Smith's,  John 
E.  Smith's  and  Hugh  Ewing's  divisions,  of  the  15th  Corps,  un 
der  command  of  Major-General  Frank  P.  Blair,  of  his  army. 
The  pontoon  bridge,  at  Brown's  Ferry,  having  been  broken  by 
the  drift  consequent  upon  the  rise  in  the  river  and  rafts  sent 
down  by  the  enemy,  the  other  division — Osterhaus' — was  de 
tained  on  the  south  side,  and  was,  on  the  night  of  the  23d,  or 
dered,  unless  it  could  get  across  by  8  o'clock  the  next  morn 
ing,  to  report  to  Hooker,  who  was  instructed,  in  this  event,  to 
attack  Lookout  Mountain,  as  contemplated  in  the  original  plan. 

"A  deserter  from  the  rebel  army,  who  came  into  our  lines  on 
the  night  of  the  22d  of  November,  reported  Bragg  falling  back. 
The  following  letter  from  Bragg,  received  by  flag  of  truce,  on  the 
20th,  tended  to  confirm  this  report : 

"  '  HEAD-QUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  TENNESSEE, 
"  '  IN  THE  FIELD,  November  20th,  1863. 
"'Major- General    U.  S.   Grant,    Commanding    United  States 

Forces  at  Chattanooga: 

"  '  GENERAL  : — As  there  may  still  be  some  non-combatants  in 
Chattanooga,  I  deem  it  proper  to  notify  you  that  prudence  would 
dictate  their  early  withdrawal. 

'  '  I  am,  General,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
"'BRAXTON  BRAGG,  General-Commanding.' 

"Not  being  willing  that  he  should  get  his  army  off  in  good 
order,  Thomas  was  directed  early  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  to 
ascertain  the  truth  or  falsity  of  this  report,  by  driving  in  his 
pickets  and  making  him  develop  his  lines.  This  he  did  with  the 
troops  stationed  at  Chattanooga,  and  Howard's  Corps  (which 


148        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

had  been  brought  into  Chattanooga  because  of  the  apprehended 
danger  to  our  pontoon  bridges  from  the  rise  in  the  river,  and 
the  enemy's  rafts),  in  the  most  gallant  style,  driving  the  enemy 
from  his  first  line,  securing  to  us  what  is  known  as  'Indian  Hill,' 
or  '  Orchard  Knoll,'  and  the  low  range  of  hills  south  of  it. 
These  points  were  fortified  during  the  night,  and  artillery  put  in 
position  on  them.  The  report  of  this  deserter  was  evidently  not 
intended  to  deceive,  but  he  had  mistaken  Bragg's  movements 
It  was  afterward  ascertained  that  one  division  of  Buckner's 
corps  had  gone  to  join  Longstreet,  and  a  second  division  of  the 
same  corps  had  started,  but  was  brought  back  in  consequence  of 
our  attack. 

"On  the  night  of  the  23d  of  November,  Sherman  with  three 
divisions  of  his  army,  strengthened  by  Davis'  division  of  Thomas', 
which  had  been  stationed  along  the  north  bank  of  the  river,  con 
venient  to  where  the  crossing  was  to  be  effected,  was  ready  for 
operations.  At  an  hour  sufficiently  early  to  secure  the  south 
bank  of  the  river,  just  below  the  mouth  of  South  Chickamauga, 
by  dawn  of  day,  the  pontoons  in  North  Chickamauga  were  loaded 
with  thirty  armed  men  each,  who  floated  quietly  past  the  enemy's 
pickets,  landed  and  captured  all  but  one  of  the  guard,  twenty  in 
number,  before  the  enemy  was  aware  of  the  presence  of  a  foe. 
The  steamboat  Dunbar,  with  a  barge  in  tow,  after  having  finished 
ferrying  across  the  river  the  horses  procured  from  Sherman,  with 
which  to  move  Thomas' artillery,  was  sent  up  from  Chattanooga  to 
aid  in  crossing  artillery  and  troops,  and  by  daylight  of  the  morning 
of  the  26th  of  November  eight  thousaud  men  were  on  the  south 
side  of  the  Tennessee  and  fortified  in  rifl  3  trenches.  By  12  o'clock 
M.  the  pontoon  bridges  across  the  Tennessee  and  Chickamauga 
were  laid  and  the  remainder  of  Sherman's  force  crossed  over, 
and  at  half  past  3  P.M.,  the  whole  of  Ihe  northern  extremity  of 
Mission  Ridge,  near  the  railroad  tunnel,  was  in  Sherman's  pos 
session.  During  the  night  he  fortified  the  position  thus  secured, 
making  it  equal,  if  not  superior  in  strength,  to  that  held  by  the 
enemy. 

"  By  three  o'clock  of  the  same  da}',  Colonel  Long,  with  his 
brigade  of  cavalry,  of  Thomas'  army,  crossed  to  the  south  side 
of  the  Tennessee,  and  to  the  north  of  South  Chickamauga  Creek, 
and  made  a  raid  on  the  enemy's  lines  of  communication.  He 
burned  Tyner's  Station,  with  many  stores,  cut  the  railroad  at 
Cleveland,  captured  near  a  hundred  wagons  and  over  two  hun 
dred  prisoners.  His  own  loss  was  small. 

"  Hooker  carried  out  the  part  assigned  to  him  for  this  day 
equal  to  the  most  sanguine  expectations  With  Geary's  division 
(Twelfth  Corps)  and  two  brigades  of  Stanley's  division  (Fourth 
corps),  of  Thomas'  army,  and  Osterhaus'  division  (Fifteenth 
corps),  of  Sherman's  army,  he  scaled  the  western  slope  of 
Lookout  Mountain,  drove  the  enemy  from  his  rifle-pits  on  the 
northern  extremity  and  slope  of  the  mountain,  capturing  many 
prisoners,  without  serious  loss. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        149 

"Thomas  having  done  on  the  twenty-third,  with  his  troops  in 
Chattanooga,  what  was  intended  i'or  the  twenty-fourth,  bettered 
and  strengthened  his  advanced  positions  during  the  day,  and 
pushed  the  Eleventh  corps  forward  along  the  south  bank  of  the 
Tennessee  river  across  Citico  creek,  one  brigade  of  which, 
with  Howard  in  person,  reached  Sherman  just  as  he  had  com 
pleted  the  crossing  of  the  river. 

"  When  Hooker  emerged  in  sight  of  the  northern  extremity 
of  Lookout  Mountain,  Oarlin's  brigade,  of  the  Fourteenth 
corps,  was  ordered  to  cross  Chattanooga  creek,  and  form  a 
junction  with  him.  This  was  effected  late  in  the  evening,  and 
after  considerable  fighting. 

"  Thus  on  the  night  of  the  twenty-fourth  our  force  maintained 
an  unbroken  line,  with  open  communications  from  the  north  end 
of  Lookout  Mountain  through  Chattanooga  Yalley  to  the  north 
end  of  Mission  Ridge. 

"On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-fifth,  Hooker  took  possession 
of  the  mountain  top  with  a  small  force,  and  with  the  remainder 
of  his  command,  in  pursuance  of  orders,  swept  across  Chatta 
nooga  Valley,  now  abandoned  by  the  enemy,  to  Rossville.  In 
this  march  he  was  detained  four  hours  building  a  bridge  across 
Chattanooga  creek.  From  Rossville  he  ascended  Mission 
Ridge,  and  moved  southward  toward  the  centre  of  that  now 
shortened  line. 

"  Sherman's  attack  upon  the  enemy's  most  northern  and  most 
vital  point,  was  vigorously  kept  up  all  day.  The  assaulting 
column  advanced  to  the  very  rifle-pits  of  the  enemy,  and  held 
their  position  firmly  and  without  wavering.  The  right  of  the 
assaulting  column  being  exposed  to  the  danger  of  being  turned, 
two  brigades  were  sent  to  its  support.  These  advanced  in  the 
most  gallant  manner  over  an  open  field  on  the  mountain  side  to 
near  the  works  of  the  enemy,  and  laid  there  partially  covered 
from  fire  for  some  time.  The  right  of  these  two  brigades  rested 
near  the  head  of  a  ravine  or  gorge  in  the  mountain  side,  which 
the  enemy  took  advantage  of  and  sent  troops  covered  from  view 
below  them  and  to  their  right  rear.  Being  unexpectedly  fired 
into  from  this  direction,  they  fell  back  across  the  open  field 
below  them  and  reformed  in  good  order  in  the  edge  of  the  tim 
ber.  The  column  which  attacked  them  was  speedily  driven  to 
their  intrenchments  by  the  assaulting  column  proper. 

"  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  twenty-fifth  the  remainder  of 
Howard's  co~ps  reported  to  Sherman,  and  constituted  a  part  oxf 
his  forces  during  that  day's  battle,  the  pursuit  and  subsequent 
advance  for  the  relief  of  Knoxville. 

"  Sherman's  position  not  only  threatened  the  right  flank  of  the 
enemy,  but  from  his  occupying  a  line  across  the  mountain,  and 
to  the  railroad  bridge  across  Chickamauga  creek,  his  rear  and 
stores  at  Chickamauga  station.  This  caused  the  enemy  to  mass 
heavily  against  him.  This  movement  of  his  being  plainly  seen 


150       LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S 

from  the  position  I  occupied  on  Orchard  Knul,  Baird's  division 
of  the  Fourteenth  corps  was  ordered  to  Shei man's  support,  but 
receiving  a  note  from  Sherman  informing  me  that  he  had  all  the 
force  necessary,  Baird  was  put  in  position  on  Thomas'  left. 

"The  appearance  of  Hooker's  column  was  at  this  time  anxi 
ously  looked  for  and  momentarily  expected,  moving  north  on 
the  ridge,  with  his  left  in  Chattanooga  Valley,  and  his  right  east 
of  the  ridge.  His  approach  was  intended  as  the  signal  for 
storming  the  ridge  in  the  centre  with  strong  columns ;  but  the 
time  necessarily  consumed  in  the  construction  of  the  bridge 
near  Chattanooga  creek,  detained  him  to  a  later  hour  than  was 
expected.  Being  satisfied  from  the  latest  information  from  him 
that  he  must  by  this  time  be  on  his  way  from  Kossville,  though 
not  }*et  in  sight,  and  discovering  that  the  enemy,  in  his  desperation 
to  defeat  or  resist  the  progress  of  Sherman,  was  weakening  his 
centre  on  Mission  Ridge,  determined  me  to  order  the  advance 
at  once.  Thomas  was  accordingly  directed  to  move  forward  his 
troops,  constituting  our  centre.  Baird's  division  (Fourteenth 
corps),  Wood's  and  Sheridan's  divisions  (Fourth  corps),  and 
Johnson's  division  (Fourteenth  corps),  with  a  double  line 
of  skirmishers  thrown  out  followed  in  easy  supporting  distance 
by  the  whole  force,  and  carry  the  rifle-pits  at  the  foot  of  Mission 
Ridge,  and  when  carried  to  reform  his  lines  in  the  rifle-pits 
with  a  view  to  carrying  the  top  of  the  ridge. 

"These  troops  moved  forward  and  drove  the  enemy  from  the 
rifle-pits  at  the  base  of  the  ridge  like  bees  from  a  hive — stopped 
but  a  moment  until  the  whole  were  in  line,  and  commenced  the 
ascent  of  the  mountain  from  right  to  left  almost  simultaneously, 
following  closely  the  retreating  enemy  without  further  orders. 
They  encountered  a  fearful  volley  of  grape  and  canister  from 
near  thirty  pieces  of  artillery,  and  musketry  from  well-filled 
rifle-pits  on  the  summit  of  the  ridge.  Not  a  waver,  however, 
was  seen  in  all  that  long  line  of  brave  men.  Their  progress 
was  steadily  onward  until  the  summit  was  in  their  possession. 
In  this  charge  the  casualties  were  remarkably,  few  for  the  fire 
encountered.  I  can  account  for  this  only'  on  the  theory  that 
the  enemy's  surprise  at  the  audacity  of  such  a  charge  caused 
confusion  and  purposeless  aiming  of  their  pieces. 

"The  nearness  of  night  and  the  enemy  still  resisting  the 
advance  of  Thomas'  left,  prevented  a  general  pursuit  that  night, 
but  Sheridan  pushed  forward  to  Mission  Mills. 

"  The  resistance  on  Thomas'  left  being  overcome,  the  enemy 
abandoned  his  position  near  the  railroad  tunnel  in  front  of 
Sherman,  and  by  12  o'clock  at  night  was  in  full  retreat,  and  the 
whole  of  his  strong  positions  on  Lookout  Mountain,  Chattanooga 
Valley,  and  Mission  Ridge,  was  in  our  possession,  together  with 
a  large  number  of  prisoners,  artillery,  and  small  arms. 

"Thomas  was  directed  to  get  Granger,  with  his  corps,  and  de 
tachments  enough  from  other  commands,  including  the  force 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.         151 

available  at  Kingston,  to  make  20,000  men,  in  readiness  to  go  to 
the  relief  of  Knoxville,  upon  the  termination  of  the  battle  at   / 
Chattanooga,  these  troops  to  take  with  them  four  days  rations,  ' 
and  a  steamboat,  loaded  with  rations,  to  follow  up  the  river. 

"  On  the  evening  of  the  twenty-fifth  of  November  orders  were 
given  to  both  Thomas  and  Sherman  to  pursue  the  enemy  early 
the  next  morning,  with  all  their  available  force,  except  that  un 
der  Granger,  intended  for  the  relief  or'  Knoxville. 

"On  the  morning  of  the  twenty-sixth,  Sherman  advanced 
by  way  of  Chickamauga  Station,  and  Thomas'  forces,  under 
Hooker  and  Palmer,  moved  on  the  Eossville  road  toward  Gray- 
ville  and  Ringgold. 

"  The  advance  of  Thomas'  forces  reached  Ringgold  on  the 
morning  of  the  twenty-seventh,  when  they  found  the  enemy  in 
strong  position  in  the  gorge  and  on  the  crest  of  Taylor's  Ridge, 
from  which  they  dislodged  him  after  a  severe  fight,  in  which  we 
lost  heavily  in  valuable  officers  and  men,  and  continued  the  pur 
suit  that  day  until  near  Tunnel  Hill,  a  distance  of  twenty  miles 
from  Chattanooga. 

"  Davis'  division  (Fourteenth  corps)  of  Sherman's  column 
reached  Ringgold  about  noon  of  the  same  day.  Howard's  corps 
was  sent  by  Sherman  to  Red  Clay,  to  destroy  the  railroad  be 
tween  Dalton  and  Cleveland,  and  thus  cut  off  Bragg's  com 
munication  with  Longstreet,  which  was  successfully  accom 
plished. 

"  Had  it  not  been  for  the  imperative  necessity  of  relieving 
Burnside,  I  would  have  pursued  the  broken  and  demoralized 
retreating  enemy  as  long  as  supplies  could  have  been  found  in 
the  country.  But  my  advices  were,  that  Burnside's  supplies 
could  only  last  until  the  third  of  December.  It  was  already 
getting  late  to  afford  the  necessary  relief.  I  determined,  there 
fore,  to  pursue  no  further.  Hooker  was  directed  to  hold  the 
position  he  then  occupied  until  the  night  of  the  thirtieth,  but 
to  go  no  further  south  at  the  expense  of  a  fight.  Sherman  was 
directed  to  march  to  the  railroad-crossing  of  the  Hiawassee,  to 
protect  Granger's  flank  until  he  was  across  that  stream,  and  to 
prevent  further  reinforcements  being  sent  by  that  route  into  East 
Tennessee. 

"  Returning  from  the  front  on  the  twenty-eighth,  I  found  that 
Granger  had  not  yet  got  off,  nor  would  he  have  the  number 
of  men  I  had  directed.  Besides,  he  moved  with  reluctance 
and  complaint.  I  therefore  determined,  notwithstanding  the 
fact  that  two  divisions  of  Sherman's  forces  had  marched  from 
Memphis,  and  had  gone  into  battle  immediately  on  their  arrival 
at  Chattanooga,  to  send  him  with  his  command  ;  and  orders  in 
accordance  therewith  were  sent  him  at  Calhoun  to  assume  com 
mand  of  the  troops  with  Granger,  in  addition  to  those  with  him, 
and  proceed  with  all  possible  despatch  to  the  relief  of  Burnside 

•'General  Elliott  had  been  ordered  by  Thomas  on  the  twenty- 


152         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

sixth  of  November  to  proceed  from  Alexandria,  Tennessee,  to 
Knoxville  with  his  cavalry  division,  to  aid  in  the  relief  of  that 
place. 

"  The  approach  of  Sherman  caused  Longstreet  to  raise  the 
siege  of  Knoxville  and  retreat  eastward  on  the  night  of  the  6th 
of  December.  Sherman  succeeded  in  throwing  his  cavalry  into 
Knoxville  on  the  night  of  the  3d. 

"  Sherman  arrived  in  person  at  Knoxville  on  the  5th,  and 
after  a  conference  with  Burnside  in  reference  to  'organizing  a 
pursuing  force  large  enough  to  overtake  the  enemy  and  beat  him 
or  drive  him  out  of  the  State,'  Burnside  was  of  the  opinion  that 
the  corps  of  Granger,  in  conjunction  with  his  own  command, 
was  sufficient  for  that  purpose,  and  on  the  7th  addressed  to  Sher 
man  the  following  communication : 

"'KNOXVILLE,  December  liK,  1863. 
"'To  MAJOR-GENERAL  SHERMAN : 

"'I  desire  to  express  to  you  and  to  your  command  my  most 
hearty  thanks  and  gratitude  for  your  promptness  in  coming  to 
our  relief  during  the  siege  of  Knoxville,  and  I  am  satisfied  that 
your  approach  served  to  raise  the  siege.  The  emergency  having 
passed,  I  do  not  deem,  for  the  present,  any  other  portion  of  your 
command  but  the  corps  of  General  Granger  necessary  for  opera 
tion  in  this  section ;  and  inasmuch  as  General  Grant  has  weak 
ened  the  forces  immediately  with  him,  in  order  to  relieve  us, 
thereby  rendering  portions  of  General  Thomas'  less  secure,  I 
deem  it  advisable  that  all  the  troops  now  here,  except  those  com 
manded  by  General  Granger,  should  return  at  once  to  within 
supporting  distance  of  the  forces  operating  against  Bragg's 
army.  In  behalf  of  my  command,  I  again  desire  to  thank  you 
and  your  command  for  the  kindness  you  have  done  us. 

'"A.  E.  BURNSIDE,  Major- General.' 

"Leaving  Granger's  command  at  Knoxville,  Sherman,  with 
the  remainder  of  his  forces,  returned  by  slow  marches  to  Chatta 
nooga. 

"  I  have  not  spoken  more  particularly  of  the  result  of  the  pur 
suit  of  the  enemy,  because  the  more  detailed  reports  accompany 
ing  this  do  the  subject  justice.  For  the  same  reason  I  have  not 
particularized  the  part  taken  by  corps  and  division  commanders. 

"  To  Brigadier-General  W.  F.  Smith,  Chief  Engineer,  I  feel 
under  more  than  ordinary  obligations  for  the  masterly  manner 
in  which  he  discharged  the  duties  of  his  position,  and  desire  that 
his  services  be  fully  appreciated  by  higher  authorities. 

The  members  of  my  staff  discharged  faithfully  their  respec 
tive  duties,  for  which  they  have  my  warmest  thanks. 

"  Our  losses  in  these  battles  were  757  killed,  4529  wounded 
and  330  missing;  total,  5616.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed 
and  wounded  was  probably  less  than  ours,  owing  to  the  fact  that 
he  was  protected  by  his  intrenchments,  while  our  men  wore  with- 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.         153 

out  cover.  At  Knoxville,  however,  his  loss  was  many  times 
greater  than  ours,  making  his  entire  loss  at  the  two  places  equal 
to,  if  not  exceeding  ours.  We  captured  6,142  prisoners,  of  whom 
239  were  commissioned  officers ;  40  pieces  of  artillery,  69  artil 
lery  carriages  and  caissons,  and  7,000  stand  of  small  arms. 

"  The  armies  of  the  Cumberland  and  the  Tennessee,  for  their 
energy  and  unsurpassed  bravery  in  the  three  days  battle  of  Chat 
tanooga  and  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy ;  their  patient  endurance 
in  marching  to  the  relief  of  Knoxville ;  and  the  Army  of  the  Ohio, 
for  its  masterly  defence  of  Knoxville  and  repeated  repulses  of 
Longstreet's  assaults  upon  that  place,  are  deserving  of  the  grati 
tude  of  their  country. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Colonel,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient 
servant,  "  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Major-General,  U.  S.  Army." 

GENERAL  MEIGS'S  REVIEW  OP  THE  BATTLES. 

Add  to  this  report  the  one  sent  to  the  Secretary  of  War 
by  Quartermaster-General  Meigs,  and  we  have  an  accurate 
and  interesting  account  of  the  great  battles. 

General  Meigs  wrote  as  follows  : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  CHATTANOOGA,  Nov.  2&th,  1863. 
"EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War: 

"  SIR  : — On  the  twenty-third  instant,  at  half-past  eleven,  A.M., 
General  Grant  ordered  a  demonstration  against  Missionary 
Ridge,  to  develop  the  force  holding  it.  The  troops  marched 
out,  formed  in  order,  and  advanced  in  line  of  battle  as  if  on 
parade. 

"  The  rebels  watched  the  formation  and  movement  from  their 
picket  lines  and  rifle-pits,  and  from  the  summits  of  Missionary 
Ridge,  five  hundred  feet  above  us,  and  thought  it  was  a  review 
and  drill,  so  openly  and  deliberately,  so  regular,  was  it  all  done. 

"  The  line  advanced,  preceded  by  skirmishers,  and  at  two 
o'clock,  P.M.,  reached  our  picket  lines,  and  opened  a  rattling 
volley  upon  the  rebel  pickets,  who  replied  and  ran  into  their  ad 
vanced  line  of  rifle-pits.  After  them  went  our  skirmishers  and 
into  them,  along  the  centre  of  the  line  of  twenty-five  thousand 
troops  which  General  Thomas  had  so  quickly  displayed,  until 
we  opened  fire.  Prisoners  assert  that  they  thought  the  whole 
movement  was  a  review  and  general  drill,  and  that  it  was  too 
late  to  send  to  their  camps  for  reinforcements,  and  that  they 
were  overwhelmed  by  force  of  numbers.  It  was  a  surprise  in 
open  daylight. 

"At  three,  P.M.,  the  important  advanced  position  of  Orchard 
Knob  and  the  lines  right  and  left  were  in  our  possession,  and  ar 
rangements  were  ordered  for  holding  them  during  the  night. 

"  The  next  day  at  daylight,  General  Sherman  had  five  thousand 


154         LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

men  across  the  Tennessee,  and  established  on  its  south  bank, 
and  commenced  the  construction  of  a  pontoon  bridge  about  six 
miles  above  Chattanooga.  The  rebel  steamer  Dunbar  was  re 
paired  at  the  right  moment,  and  rendered  effective  aid  in  this 
crossing,  carrying  over  six  thousand  men. 

"  By  nightfall  General  Thomas  had  seized  the  extremity  of 
Missionary  Ridge  nearest  the  river,  and  was  intrenching  himself. 
General  Howard,  with  a  brigade,  opened  communication  with 
him  from  Chattanooga  on  the  south  side  of  the  river.  Skirmish 
ing  and  cannonading  continued  all  day  on  the  left  and  centre. 
General  Hooker  scaled  the  slopes  of  Lookout  Mountain,  and 
from  the  valley  of  Lookout  Creek  drove  the  rebels  around  the 
point.  He  captured  some  two  thousand  prisoners,  and  estab 
lished  himself  high  up  the  mountain-side,  in  full  view  of  Chatta 
nooga.  This  raised  the  blockade,  and  now  steamers  were  or 
dered  from  Bridgeport  to  Chattanooga.  They  had  run  only  to 
Kelley's  Ferry,  whence  ten  miles  of  hauling  over  mountain  roads 
and  twice  across  the  Tennessee  on  pontoon  bridges  brought  us 
our  supplies. 

"All  night  the  point  of  Missionary  Ridge  on  the  extreme  left 
and  the  side  of  Lookout  Mountain  on  the  extreme  right  blazed 
with  the  camp-fires  of  loyal  troops. 

"  The  day  had  been  one  of  dense  mists  and  rains,  and  much 
of  General  Hooker's  battle  was  fought  above  the  clouds,  which 
concealed  him  from  our  view,  but  from  which  his  musketry  was 
heard. 

"At  nightfall  the  sky  cleared,  and  the  full  moon — '  the  traitor's 
doom' — shone  upon  the  beautiful  scene,  until  one,  A.M.,  when 
twinkling  sparks  upon  the  mountain-side  showed  that  picket- 
skirmishing  was  going  on.  Then  it  ceased.  A  brigade  sent 
from  Chattanooga,  crossed  the  Chattanooga  Creek  and  opened 
communication  with  Hooker. 

"  General  Grant's  head-quarters  during  the  afternoon  of  the 
twenty-third  and  the  day  of  the  twenty-fourth,  were  in  Wood's 
redoubt,  except  when  in  the  course  of  the  day  he  rode  along  the 
advanced  line,  visiting  the  head-quarters  Of  the  several  com 
manders,  in  Chattanooga  valley. 

"At  daylight,  on  the  twenty-fifth,  the  Stars  and  Stripes  were 
descried  on  the  peak  of  Lookout.  The  rebels  had  evacuated  the 
mountain. 

"  Hooker  moved  to  descend  the  mountain,  striking  Missionary 
Ridge  at  the  Rossville  Gap,  to  sweep  both  sides  and  its  summit. 

"The  rebel  troops  were  seen,  as  soon  as  it  was  light  enough, 
streaming  regiments  and  brigades  along  the  narrow  summit  of 
Missionary  Ridge,  either  concentrating  on  the  right  to  over 
whelm  Sherman,  or  marching  for  the  railroad  to  raise  the  siege. 

"  They  had  evacuated  the  valley  of  Chattanooga.  Would  they 
abandon  that  of  Chickamauga  ? 

"  The  twenty-pounders  and  four-and-a-quarter-inch  rifles  of 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         155 

Wood's  redoubt  opened  on  Missionary  Ridge.  Orchard  Knob 
sent  its  compliments  to  the  Ridge,  which,  with  rifled  Parrots, 
answered,  and  the  cannonade  thus  commenced,  continued  all 
day.  Shot  and  shell  screamed  from  Orchard  Knob  to  Mission 
ary  Ridge,  and  from  Missionary  Ridge  to  Orchard  Knob,  and 
from  Wood's  redoubt,  over  the  heads  of  Generals  Grant  and 
Thomas  and  their  staffs,  who  were  with  us  in  this  favorable  po 
sition,  from  whence  the  whole  battle  could  be  seen  as  in  an  am 
phitheatre.  The  head-quarters  were  under  fire  all  day  long. 

"Cannonading  and  musketry  were  heard  from  General  Sher 
man,  and  General  Howard  marched  the  Eleventh  corps  to  join 
him. 

"  General  Thomas  sent  out  skirmishers,  who  drove  in  the  rebel 
pickets  and  chased  them  into  their  intrenchments ;  and  at  the 
foot  of  Missionary  Ridge,  Sherman  made  an  assault  against 
Bragg's  right,  intrenched  on  a  high  knob  next  to  that  on  which 
Sherman  himself  lay  fortified.  The  assault  was  gallantly  made. 

"  Sherman  reached  the  edge  of  the  crest,  and  held  his  ground 
for  (it  seemed  to  me)  an  hour,  but  was  bloodily  repulsed  by  re 
serves. 

C'A  general  advance  was  ordered,  and  a  strong  line  of  skir 
mishers  followed  by  a  deployed  line  of  battle  some  two  miles  in 
length.  At  the  signal  of  leaden  shots  from  head-quarters  on 
Orchard  Knob,  the  line  moved  rapidly  and  orderly  forward.  The 
rebel  pickets  discharged  their  muskets  and  ran  into  their  rifle- 
pits.  Our  skirmishers  followed  on  their  heels. 

"  The  line  of  battle  was  not  far  behind,  and  we  saw  the  gray 
rebels  swarrn  out  of  the  ledge  line  of  rifle-pits  and  over  the  base 
of  the  hill  in  numbers  which  surprised  ns.  A  few  turned  and 
fired  their  pieces;  but  the  greater  number  collected  into  the 
many  roads  which  cross  obliquely  up  its  steep  face,  and  went  on 
to  the  top. 

"  Some  regiments  pressed  on  and  swarmed  up  the  steep  sides 
of  the  Ridge,  and  here  and  there  a  color  was  advanced  beyond 
the  lines.  The  attempt  appeared  most  dangerous;  but  the  ad 
vance  was  supported,  and  the  whole  line  was  ordered  to  storm 
the  heights,  upon  which  not  less  than  forty  pieces  of  artillery, 
and  no  one  knows  how  many  muskets,  stood  ready  to  slaughter 
the  assailants.  With  cheers  answering  to  cheers,  the  men 
swarmed  upward.  They  gathered  to  the  points  least  difficult 
of  access,  and  the  line  was  broken.  Color  after  color  was  planted 
on  the  summit,  while  musket  and  cannon  vomited  their  thunder 
upon  them. 

"A  well-directed  shot  from  Orchard  Knob  exploded  a  rebel 
caisson  on  the  summit,  and  the  gun  was  seen  being  speedily  taken 
to  the  right,  its  driver  lashing  his  horses.  A  party  of  our  sol 
diers  intercepted  them,  and  the  gun  was  captured  with  cheers. 

"A  fierce  musketry  fight  broke  out  to  the  left,  where,  between 
Thomas  and  Sherman,  a  mile  or  two  of  the  ridge  was  still  occu 
pied  by  the  rebels. 
10 


156        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

"  Bragg  left  the  house  in  which  he  had  held  his  head-quarters, 
and  rode  to  the  rear,  as  our  troops  crowded  the  hill  on  either 
Bide  of  him. 

"  General  Grant  proceeded  to  the  summit,  and  then  only  did 
we  know  its  height. 

"  Some  of  the  captured  artillery  was  put  into  position.  Artil 
lerists  were  sent  for  to  work  the  guns,  and  caissons  were  searched 
f'o;  ammunition. 

'*  The  rebel  log-breastworks  were  torn  to  pieces  and  carried 
to  the  other  side  of  the  ridge  and  used  in  forming  barricades 
across. 

"A  strong  line  of  infantry  was  formed  in  the  rear  of  Baird's 
line,  and  engaged  in  a  musketry  contest  with  the  rebels  to  the 
left,  and  a  secure  lodgment  was  soon  effected. 

"The  other  assault  to  the  right  of  our  centre  gained  the 
summit,  and  the  rebels  threw  down  their  arms  and  fled. 

"  Hooker,  coming  into  favorable  position,  swept  the  right  of 
the  ridge  and  captured  many  prisoners. 

"  Brugg's  remaining  troops  left  early  in  the  night,  and  thd 
battle  of  Chattanooga,  after  days  of  manoeuvring  and  fighting, 
was  won.  The  strength  of  the  rebellion  in  the  centre  is  broken. 
Burnside  is  relieved  from  danger  in  East  Tennessee.  Kentucky 
and  Tennessee  are  rescued.  Georgia  and  the  Southeast  are 
threatened  in  the  rear,  and  another  victory  is  added  to  the  chap 
ter  of '  Unconditional  Surrender  Grant.' 

"  To-night  the  estimate  of  captures  is  several  thousand  prison 
ers  and  thirty  pieces  of  artillery. 

"  Our  loss  for  so  great  a  victory  is  not  severe. 

"  Bragg  is  firing  the  railroad  as  he  retreats  towards  Dalton. 
Sherman  is  in  hot  pursuit. 

"  To-day  I  viewed  the  battle-field,  which  extends  for  six  miles 
along  Missionary  Ridge,  and  for  several  miles  on  Lookout 
Mountain. 

"  Probably  not  so  well-directed,  so  well-ordered  a  battle  has 
taken  place  during  the  war.  But  one  assault  was  repulsed  ;  but 
that  assault,  by  calling  to  that  point  the  rebel  reserves,  pre 
vented  them  repulsing  any  of  the  others. 

"A  few  days  since  General  Bragg  sent  to  General  Grant  a 
flag  of  truce,  advising  him  that  it  would  be  prudent  to  remove 
any  non-combatants  who  might  be  still  in  Chattanooga.  No 
reply  has  been  returned  ;  but  the  combatants  having  removed 
from  this  vicinity,  it  is  probable  that  non-combatants  can  remain 
without  imprudence. 

"  M.  0.  MEIGS,  Quartermaster-General." 

TRIBUTES   FROM    GENERALS    HALLECK    AND 
SCOTT,    AND    PRESIDENT    LINCOLN. 

General  Halleck,  in  referring  in  his  annual  report  to  this 
brilliant  campaign,  remarks :  "  Considering  the  strength 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         157 

of  the  rebel  position  and  the  difficulty  of  storming  his  in- 
trenchments,  the  battle  of  Chattanooga  must  be  considered 
the  most  remarkable  in  history.  Not  only  did  the  officers 
and  men  exhibit  great  skill  and  daring  in  their  operations 
on  the  field,  but  the  highest  praise  is  due  to  the  command 
ing  general  for  his  admirable  dispositions  for  dislodging 
the  enemy  from  a  position  apparently  impregnable.  More 
over,  by  turning  his  right  flank  and  throwing  him  back 
upon  Ringgold  and  Dalton,  Sherman's  forces  were  inter 
posed  between  Bragg  and  Longstreet,  so  as  to  prevent 
any  possibility  of  their  forming  a  junction." 

On  the  seventh  of  December,  1863,  the  President  of  the 
United  States  issued  the  following  proclamation,  calling 
the  people  together  to  give  thanks  for  the  victories : 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION. 
"  WASHINGTON,  I).  0.,  December  1th,  1863. 
"  Keliable  information  being-  received  that  the  insurgent  force 
is  retreating  from  East  Tennessee,  under  circumstances  render 
ing  it  probable  that  the  Union  forces  cannot  hereafte%*  be  dis 
lodged  from  that  important  position  ;  and  esteeming  this  to  be 
of  high  national  consequence,  I  recommend  that  all  loyal  people 
do,  on  receipt  of  this  information,  assemble  at  their  places  of 
worship,  and  render  special  homage  and  gratitude  to  Almighty 
God  for  this  great  advancement  of  the  national  cause. 

"A.  LINCOLN." 

And  on  the  following  day  he  thus  personally  acknowl 
edged  his  appreciation  of  General  Grant's  services,  in  a 
telegraphic  despatch,  which  was  subsequently  read  to  the 
troops  : 

"  WASHINGTON,  December  8th,  1863. 
"  MAJOR-GENERAL  GRANT  : 

"  Understanding  that  your  lodgment  at  Chattanooga  and 
Knoxville  is  now  secure,  1  wish  to  tender  you  and  all  under  your 
command  my  more  than  thanks — my  profoundest  gratitude — for 
the  skill,  courage,  and  perseverance  with  which  you  and  they, 
over  so  great  difficulties,  have  effected  that  important  object. 
God  bless  you  all  1 

"  A.  LINCOLN." 

General  Winfield  Scott  rendered  tribute  to  the  hero, 


158        LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

who,  he  said,  had  displayed  more  military  skill  than  any 
general  had  exhibited  on  our  side  ;  and  he  was  the  more 
surprised  at  it  from  the  fact  that  he  could  only  remember 
him  as  a  young  lieutenant  in  the  Mexican  war,  of  un 
doubted  courage,  but  giving  no  promise  of  any  thing 
beyond  ordinary  abilities. 

GENERAL  GRANT'S  INTREPIDITY  IN  BATTLE. 

Of  the  intrepidity  of  General  Grant  during  the  pro 
tracted  struggle,  one  of  his  staff  thus  wrote  : 

"  I  need  not  describe  to  you  the  recent  battle  of  Chattanooga, 
the  papers  have  given  every  possible  detail  concerning  it. 
I  may  only  say  that  I  saw  it  all,  and  was  in  the  five  days'  fight. 
In  General  Grant's  staff  only  one  was  wounded,  a  Lieutenant 
Turner,  Assistant  Chief  of  Artillery,  whose  parents  formerly 
lived  at  Batavia,  N.  Y.,  but  now  of  Chicago.  It  has  been  a 
matter  of  universal  wonder  in  this  army  that  General  Grant 
himself  was  not  killed,  and  that  no  more  accidents  occurred  to 
his  staff,  for  the  general  was  always  in  the  front  (his  staff  with 
him,  of  course),  and  perfectly  heedless  of  the  storm  of  hissing 
bullets  and  screaming  shell  flying  around  him.  His  apparent 
want  of  sensibility  does  not  arise  from  heedlessness,  heartless- 
ness,  or  vain  military  affectation,  but  from  a  sense  of  responsi 
bility  resting  upon  him  when  in  battle.  When  at  Ring-gold,  we 
rode  for  half  a  mile  in  the  face  of  the  enemy,  under  an  incessant 
fire  of  cannon  and  musketry,  nor  did  we  ride  fast,  but  upon  an 
ordinary  trot,  and  not  once  do  I  believe  did  it  enter  the  general's 
mind  that  he  was  in  danger.  I  was  by  his  side  and  watched  him 
closely.  In  riding  that  distance  we  were  going  to  the  front,  and 
I  could  see  that  he  was  studying  the  positions  of  the  two  armies, 
and,  of  course,  planning  how  to  defeat  the  enemy,  who  was  here 
making  a  most  desperate  stand,  and  was  slaughtering  our  men 
fearfully.  After  defeating  and  driving  the  enemy  here  we  returned 
to  Chattanooga. 

"  Another  feature  in  General  Grant's  personal  movements  is, 
that  he  requires  no  escort  beyond  his  staff,  so  regardless  of  dan 
ger  is  he.  Roads  are  almost  useless  to  him,  for  he  takes  short 
cuts  through  fields  and  woods,  and  will  swim  his  horse  through 
almost  any  stream  that  obstructs  his  way.  Nor  does  it  make  any 
difference  to  him  whether  he  has  daylight  for  his  movements,  for 
he  will  ride  from  breakfast  until  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and 
that  too  without  eating.  The  next  day  he  will  repeat  the  dose, 
until  he  finishes  his  work.  Now  such  things  come  hard  upon 
the  staff,  but  they  have  learned  how  to  bear  it." 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.         159 

By  these  victories  it  had  been  decided  that  the  produc 
tive  region  of  East  Tennessee,  rich  in  the  elements  and 
munitions  of  war,  and  on  which  large  drafts  had  been 
made  by  the  rebel  leaders  for  supplies,  should  remain  in 
our  hands.  This  was  the  gateway  into  Georgia  and  the 
Gulf  States,  which  was  now  opened  by  the  genius  of  Gen 
eral  Grant  and  the  bravery  of  his  now  magnificent  army. 

GENERAL  GRANT  THANKS  HIS  TROOPS. 

The  following  order  was  read  to  the  troops : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  MILITARY  DIVISION  OF  THE  MISSISSIPPI, 
"  IN  THE  FIELD,  CHATTANOOGA,  TENN.,  Dec.  10,  1863. 

"The  General  commanding  takes  this  opportunity  of  return 
ing  his  sincere  thanks  and  congratulations  to  the  brave  armies  of 
the  Cumberland,  the  Ohio,  the  Tennessee,  and  their  comrades 
from  the  Potomac,  for  the  recent  splendid  and  decisive  successes 
achieved  over  the  enemy.  In  a  short  time  you  have  recovered 
from  him  the  control  of  the  Tennessee  river  from  Bridgeport  to 
Knoxville.  You  dislodged  him  from  his  great  stronghold  upon 
Lookout  mountain,  drove  him  from  Chattanooga  valley,  wrested 
from  his  determined  grasp  the  possession  of  Missionary  ridge, 
repelled  with  heavy  loss  to  him  his  repeated  assaults  upon  Knox 
ville,  forcing  him  to  raise  the  siege  there,  driving  him  at  all 
points,  utterly  routed  and  discomfitted  beyond  the  limits  of  the 
State.  By  your  noble  heroism  and  determined  courage,  you 
have  most  effectually  defeated  the  plans  of  the  enemy  for  regain 
ing  possession  of  the  States  of  Kentucky  and  Tennessee. 

"You  have  secured  positions  from  which  no  rebellious  power 
can  drive  or  dislodge  you.  For  all  this  the  General  command 
ing  thanks  you  collectively  and  individually.  The  loyal  people 
of  the  United  States  thank  and  bless  you.  Their  hopes  and 
prayers  for  your  success  against  this  unholy  rebellion  are  with 
you  daily.  Their  faith  in  you  will  not  be  in  vain.  Their  hopes 
will  not  be  blasted.  Their  prayers  to  Almighty  God  will  be 
answered.  You  will  go  to  other  fields  of  strife;  and,  with  the 
invincible  bravery  and  unflinching  loyalty  to  justice  and  right 
which  have  characterized  you  in  the  past,  you  will  prove  that  no 
enemy  can  withstand  you,  and  that  no  defenses,  however  formi 
dable,  can  check  your  onward  march. 

"  By  order  of  "  U.  S.  GRANT,  Major -General." 


160        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES     S.    GRANT. 

THANKS  OF  CONGRESS  AND  A  GOLD  MEDAL. 

Congress  assembled  on  Monday,  the  8th  of  December, 
1863,  when  the  news  of  General  Grant's  last  success  was 
creating  a  sensation  on  the  streets  of  Washington.  The 
first  resolution  passed  at  this,  the  thirty-eighth  session, 
was  offered  by  Hon.  Wm.  Washburne,  of  Illinois,  and 
passed  both  houses  unanimously,  without  debate,  as  fol 
lows  : 

"  Be  it  resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  United  States  of  America  in  Congress  assembled,  That  the 
thanks  of  Congress  be  and  they  hereby  are  presented  to  Major- 
General  Ulysses  S.  Grant,  and  through  him  to  the  officers  and 
soldiers  who  have  fought  under  his  command  during  this  rebel 
lion,  for  their  gallantry  and  good  conduct  in  the  battles  in 
which  they  have  been  engaged  ;  and  that  the  President  of  the 
United  States  be  requested  to  cause  a  gold  medal  to  be  struck, 
with  suitable  emblems,  devices,  and  inscriptions,  to  be  presented 
to  Major-General  Grant. 

"  SECTION  2.  And  be  it  further  resolved,  That,  when  the  said 
medal  shall  have  been  struck,  the  President  shall  cause  a  copy 
of  this  joint  resolution  to  be  engrossed  on  parchment,  and  shall 
transmit  the  same,  together  with  the  said  medal,  to  Major-Gen- 
eral  Grant,  to  be  presented  to  him  in  the  name  of  the  people  of 
the  United  States  of  America. 

"  SECTION  3.  And  be  it  further  resolved,  That  a  sufficient  sum 
of  money  to  carry  this  resolution  into  effect  is  hereby  appropri 
ated  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropri 
ated." 

Arid  on  the  17th  day  of  December  the  resolution  re 
ceived  the  President's  approval. 

This  medal  on  one  side  presents  a  profile  of  the  General, 
surrounded  by  a  laurel  wreath,  beneath  which  is  his  name 
and  the  dates  of  his  victories.  On  the  obverse  is  the  fig 
ure  of  Fame  reclining  on  the  American  eagle,  shielded  ; 
Fame  holding  in  her  right  hand  a  trumpet,  and  in  her  left 
a  scroll  on  which  is  inscribed  "  YICKSBURG,  CORINTH,  MIS 
SISSIPPI  RIVER,  CHATTANOOGA;"  on  her  head  an  ornamented 
helmet.  Beneath  all,  are  represented  sprigs  of  pine  and 
palm  intertwined  ;  while  over  all  are  the  words  "  Proclaim 
Liberty  throughout  all  the  Land." 


LIFE  OF  GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        161 

His  praise  was  in  every  mouth.  The  press  lauded  his 
triumph  in  applauding  leaders.  Legislatures  passed  reso 
lutions  thanking  him  for  his  public  services  ;  and  various 
religious  and  civic  societies  publicly  testified  their  gratitude 
to  him.  A  pair  of  Colt's  revolvers,  with  handles  of  black 
horn,  beautifully  polished,  and  the  barrels,  magazines,  and 
other  steel  parts  elaborately  inlaid  with  pure  gold,  beaten 
into  a  design  previously  cut  out  of  the  steel,  the  whole 
enclosed  in  a  handsome  rosewood  box,  lined  with  velvet, 
and  accompanied  by  all  the  tools,  etc.,  belonging  to  them, 
the  cartridge  boxes  and  the  equipments  being  of  solid 
silver,  were  presented  to  him  by  several  of  his  personal 
friends.  Honors  were  showered  upon  him  in  profusion 
at  every  place  he  went. 

HE  VISITS  THE  OUTPOSTS. 

The  rebel  cavalry  Generals,  Wheeler,  Morgan,  Forrest, 
and  Rhoddy,  had  increased  their  commands,  and  were 
already  on  the  move,  in  various  directions,  to  harass 
Grant,  by  pouncing  upon  the  garrisons  along  our  lines  of 
communication,  and  were  bidding  fair  to  turn  their  opera 
tions  to  some  favorable  account. 

WU;h  the  view  of  thoroughly  understanding  his  posi 
tion,  General  Grant  visited  all  the  points  along  his  lines, 
journeying  over  the  mountainous  regions  of  the  Cumber 
land,  passing  through  Knoxville  and  Nashville  in  his 
progress. 

At  Knoxville  he  was  called  upon  by  the  people  for  a 
speech,  in  answer  to  which  General  Leslie  Coombs  was 
obliged  to  say  that  "  General  Grant  had  told  him  in  con 
fidence  that  he  had  never  made  a  speech,  knew  nothing 
about  speech-making,  and  had  no  disposition  to  loam." 
After  thoroughly  examining  the  country,  and  having 
re-opened  the  railroad  communications  between  Nashville 
and  Chattanooga,  General  Grant  arrived  at  Louisville, 


162        LIFE   OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

v  Kentucky,  on  the  llth  of  January,  1864,  and,  returning, 
reached  Chattanooga  on  the  13th. 

AT  ST.  LOUIS— A  PUBLIC  DINNER. 

Learning  that  his  son  was  ill  at  home,  General  Grant 
paid  a  visit  to  St.  Louis,  which  he  reached  on  the  2Cth. 
He  was  not  idle  here,  employing  his  time  in  visiting  and 
inspecting  the  National  defences.  He  was  invited  by  the 
citizens  of  St.  Louis  to  a  public  dinner,  which  he  attended. 
About  two  hundred  guests  were  present  on  the  occasion. 
Judge  Treat  presided.  Generals  Rosecrans,  Schoficld, 
Osterhaus,  Totten,  McNeill,  and  other  distinguished  mili 
tary  gentlemen,  together  with  the  father-in-law  of  General 
Grant,  were  present.  In  response  to  a  toast  in  his  honor, 
General  Grant  said  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  do  more 
than  thank  his  fellow-citizens.  A  letter  from  the  city 
council  was  read,  conveying  their  great  esteem,  regard, 
and  indebtedness  due  his  modest,  unswerving  energies, 
swayed  neither  by  the  mighty  successes  which  had 
crowned  his  genius  and  his  efforts  in  behalf  of  the  Govern 
ment,  nor  by  the  machinations  of  politics,  which  were 
regarded  as  evidences  of  the  true  patriot  and  soldier. 

This  sentiment  was  read  : 

"MAJOR-GENERAL  GRANT:  he  is  emphatically  U.  S.  Grant, 
for  lie  has  given  US  and  the  U.  S.  an  earnest  of  those  victories 
which  will  finally  rescue  the  nation  from  the  rebellion  and  its 
curse — American  Slavery.1' 

He  was  loudly  importuned  by  the  crowd  for  a  speech, 
as  he  stood  upon  the  verandah  of  the  hotel,  after  the 
ceremonies  of  the  dinner,  smoking  his  inevitable  cigar  ; 
but  he  could  only  assure  his  friends  that  he  could  not  and 
never  intended  to  make  a  speech. 

LETTER   TO    THE  WESTERN   SANITARY  COM- 

MISSION. 
General  Grant,  in  response  to  an  invitation  to  attend  a 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        163 

public  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  St.  Louis  in  aid  of  the 
Western  Sanitary  Commission,  wrote  a  letter  on  the  31st 
of  January,  1864,  declining  the  invitation,  owing  to  hia 
proposed  return  to  active  duties,  as  follows  : 

"  The  gratuitous  offerings  of  our  loyal  citizens  at  home, 
through  the  agency  of  Sanitary  Commissions,  to  our 
brave  soldiers  in  the  field,  have  been  to  them  the  most 
encouraging  and  gratifying  evidence  that,  whilst  they  are 
risking  life  and  health  for  the  suppression  of  this  most 
wicked  rebellion,  their  friends,  who  cannot  assist  them 
with  musket  and  sword,  are  with  them  in  sympathy  and 
heart.  The  Western  Sanitary  Commission  have  issued 
many  tons  of  stores  to  the  army  under  my  command. 
These  voluntary  offerings  of  this  and  other  kindred  asso 
ciations  have  made  glad  the  hearts  of  many  thousands  of 
wounded  and  sick  soldiers,  who  otherwise  would  have 
been  subjected  to  severe  privations.  I  hope  for  you  a  full 
and  enthusiastic  meeting,  and  a  fair  to  follow,  which  will 
bring  together  many  old  friends,  who  have  been  kept 
apart  for  the  last  three  years,  and  unite  them  all  again  in 
one  common  cause — that  of  our  country  and  of  peace." 

GENERAL    GRANT    OPENS   THE  SPRING  CAM 
PAIGN. 

From  St.  Louis,  General  Grant  went  to  Nashville,  pass 
ing  through  Louisville  on  the  3d  of  February,  18G4, 
where  he  was  serenaded. 

The  rebel  raiding  cavalry  bad  been  rather  worsted  in 
their  encounters  with  our  forces.  Our  videttes  in  front 
of  Chattanooga  were  pushed  forward,  when  it  was  ascer 
tained  that  the  rebels  under  Johnston  had  suddenly  retired 
beyond  Ringgold  and  Dalton,  taking  positions  with  the 
evident  intention  of  holding  the  key  to  Georgia.  It  was 
apparent  that  Johnston  had  been  re-inforced,  in  anticipa 
tion  of  an  onward  movement  of  our  forces.  General 


164:        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Sherman  was  called  in  "from  Vicksburg,  with  the  Six 
teenth  and  Seventeenth  Corps,  under  Generals  Hurlbut 
and  McPherson.  General  W.  Long  Smith,  Grant's  chief 
of  cavalry,  and  Grierson,  were  marched  south  of  Holly 
Springs,  with  a  column  of  cavalry  and  mounted  infantry, 
on  a  grand  raid  through  Mississippi.  To  supply  troops 
for  these  movements,  Corinth,  and  the  line  of  the  Mem 
phis  and  Charleston  Railroad  as  far  east  as  General  Lo 
gan's  outposts,  were  abandoned,  the  fortifications  having 
been  destroyed  and  all  public  property  removed.  On  the 
5th,  General  Sherman  passed  through  Jaekson,  Missis 
sippi,  and  on  the  9th  reached  Morton  in  his  onward 
march  eastward.  Sherman's  main  body  was  at  Meridian 
on  the  20th,  and  his  advance  had  been  pushed  thirty-five 
miles  beyond  that  point,  when  through  the  failure  of 
another  officer,  whose  column  was  to  co-operate  with  this 
army,  to  make  a  junction  with  Sherman  at  the  proper 
time,  the  latter  was  obliged  to  retreat  on  his  base.  The 
movement,  had,  however,  the  effect  of  frightening  the 
rebels  in  the  south-west  to  such  an  extent  as  to  keep 
employed  a  large  number  of  re-inforcements  at  Mobile, 
and  with  Polk,  opposite  Meridian,  that  otherwise  would 
have  been  thrown  upon  some  point  along  our  extended 
lines,  that  might  not  have  been  prepared  for  an  attack. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  advance  of  General  Grant's  main 
body,  under  Schofield,  was  some  forty  miles  east  of  Knox- 
ville,  from  the  immediate  front  of  which  Longstreet  had 
retired.  General  Thomas,  at  Chattanooga,  was  prepared 
to  advance  on  Johnston. 

These  were  the  preliminaries  to  the  grand  movements 
in  the  south-west,  which  were  crowned  with  such  great 
success — covering  a  region  of  country  from  the  Alle- 
ghanies  to  the  Mississippi,  over  which  General  Grant  had 
supreme  commacd  ;  and  in  this  state  of  affairs,  he  was 
called  to  Washington  by  the  President. 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        165 

MAJOR-GENERAL  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT  MADE 
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL  OF  THE  ARMIES  OP 
THE  UNITED  STATES. 

Coincident  with  the  resolution  of  thanks  to  General 
Grant,  adopted  by  Congress  in  December,  1863  was  the 
introduction  of  a  bill  by  Mr.  Washburne,  reviving  the  grade 
of  Lieutenant-General  of  the  army.  This  bill  had  been 
left  without  decisive  action,  until  Monday,  the  1st  of  Feb 
ruary,  1864,  when  the  consideration  of  the  bill  was  resumed. 
Some  opposition  was  manifested  against  its  passage.  A 
resolution  to  lay  the  bill  on  the  table  was  lost,  and  the 
bill  passed  by  a  decided  vote,  there  being  but  nineteen 
votes  against  it. 

The  bill  authorized  the  President,  whenever  he  should 
see  fit,  to  appoint  a  commander  of  the  army,  subject  to 
the  action  of  the  senate,  "  to  be  selected  during  the  war, 
from  among  those  officers  in  the  military  service  of  the 
United  States,  not  below  the  grade  of  Major-General, 
most  distinguished  for  courage,  skill,  and  ability,  and  who 
being  commissioned  as  Lieutenant-General,  shall  be  author 
ized,  under  the  direction  of  the  President,  to  command 
the  armies  of  the  United  States."  The  pay,  allowances, 
and  staff  of  the  Lieutenant-General  to  be  selected  were 
made  the  same  as  those  fixed  by  the  acts  of  May  28th, 
1798,  and  August  22d,  1842,  with  the  provision  that  noth 
ing  in  the  bill  was  to  be  construed  in  any  way  to  affect 
the  rank,  pay,  or  allowances  of  Brevet  Lieutenant-General 
Scott.  Major-General  Ulysses  S.  Grant  was  especially 
recommended  in  this  bill  for  the  appointment. 

Some  attacks  having  been  made  upon  the  object  of  the 
bill,  Mr.  Washburne  again  came  to  the  rescue.  He  said, 
in  the  course  of  his  speech  upon  the  question,  alluding  to 
General  Grant : 

"  Look  at  what  this  man  has  done  for  his  country,  for 
humanity,  and  civilization — this  modest  and  unpretend- 


166        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GKANT. 

ing  General,  whom  gentlemen  appear  to  be  so  much  afraid 
of.  He  has  fought  more  battles  and  won  more  victories 
than  any  living  man.  He  has  captured  more  prisoners 
and  taken  more  guns  than  any  General  of  modern  times. 
To  us  in  the  great  valley  of  the  West  he  has  rendered  a 
service  in  opening  our  great  channel  of  communication  to 
the  ocean,  so  that  the  great  '  Father  of  Waters'  now  goes 
'unvexed  to  the  sea,'  which  endears  him  to  all  our  hearts. 
Sir,  when  his  blue  legions  crowned  the  crest  of  Yicksburg, 
and  the  hosts  of  the  rebellion  laid  their  arms  at  the  feet  of 
this  great  conqueror,  the  rebel  Confederacy  was  cut  in 
twain,  and  the  back  bone  of  the  rebellion  was  broken. 
At  that  moment  was  seen  in  General  Grant  that  greatest 
of  all  gifts — of  a  military  man— the  gift  of  deciding  in 
stantly  amid  the  pressure  of  the  greatest  emergencies.  I 
was  with  him  when  Porter  reported  his  inability  to  reduce 
the  batteries ;  and  in  an  instant  he  made  his  new  disposi 
tions  and  gave  his  orders.  They  were  to  debark  all  his 
troops,  and  march  them  down  three  miles  below  Grand 
Gulf;  'and,'  said  he,  'after  nightfall  I  will  run  every 
transport  I  have  below  their  batteries,  and  not  one  shall 
be  injured  ;'  and,  sure  enough,  when  it  became  dark,  Por 
ter  again  attacked  the  batteries  with  his  fleet,  and,  amid 
the  din  and  clatter  of  the  attack,  the  transports  all  safely 
passed  Grand  Gulf. 

"  And  that  which  must  ever  be  regarded  by  the  historian 
as  the  most  extraordinary  feature  of  this  campaign  is  the 
astounding  fact  that,  when  General  Grant  landed  in  the 
Stale  of  Mississippi  and  made  his  campaign  in  the  enemy's 
country,  he  had  a  smaller  force  than  the  enemy.  There 
he  was,  in  the  enemy's  country,  cut  off,  in  a  measure,  from 
his  supplies,  with  a  great  river  in  his  rear,  and  in  one  of 
the  most  defensible  of  countries,  through  which  he  had  to 
pass.  To  his,  indomitable  courage  and  energy,  to  his  un 
paralleled  celerity  of  movement,  striking  the  enemy  in 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         167 

detail;  a-nd  beating  him  on  every  field,  is  the  country  in 
debted  for  those  wonderful  successes  of  that  campaign, 
which  have  not  only  challenged  the  gratitude  and  admira 
tion  of  our  own  countrymen,  but  the  admiration  of  the 
best  military  men  of  all  ages.  My  colleague  [Mr.  Farns- 
worth]  has  well  said,  that  General  Grant  is  no  carpet 
knight.  If  gentlemen  could  know  him  as  I  know  him,  and 
as  his  soldiers  know  him,  they  would  not  be  so  reluctant 
about  conferring  this  honor.  If  they  could  have  seen  him 
as  I  saw  him  on  that  expedition ;  if  they  could  have  wit 
nessed  his  terrible  earnestness,  his  devotion  to  his  duty, 
his  care,  his  vigilance,  and  his  unchallenged  courage,  I 
think  their  opposition  to  this  bill  would  give  way.  But 
gentlemen  say  'wait,  and  confer  this  rank  when  the  war 
is  over.' 

"  Sir,  I  want  it  conferred  now,  because  it  is  my  most 
solemn  and  earnest  conviction  that  General  Grant  is  the 
man  upon  whom  we  must  depend  to  fight  out  this  rebel 
lion  in  the  field,  and  bring  this  war  to  a  speedy  and  tri 
umphant  close." 

Owing  to  some  disagreements  in  the  Senate,  the  bill 
went  to  a  committee  of  conference,  in  which  it  was 
amended,  making  the  appointment  of  Lieutenant-General 
to  be  during  the  pleasure  of  the  President,  and  on  the  first 
of  March,  1864,  President  Lincoln  approved  the  bill,  and 
on  the  next  day  sent  into  the  Senate  his  message,  appoint 
ing,  as  Lieutenant-General  of  the  armies  of  the  United 
States,  Major- General  Ulysses  S.  Grant.  The  nomination 
was  unanimously  confirmed  by  the  Senate. 

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL  AND  THE  PEOPLE. 

The  action  of  Congress  and  the  President  in  appointing 
General  Grant  to  this  position  was  earnestly  looked  for  by 
the  people,  who  had  learned  to  love  him,  mainly  because 
in  every  instance  where  responsibility  had  been  reposed  in 


168        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT, 

him,  his  indefatigable  energy  and  perseverance,  and  his 
unsurpassed  intrepidity  in  action,  had  wo  fifed  out  a  vic 
tory. 

GENERAL  GRANT  AT  WASHINGTON. 

Lieutenant-General  Grant  arrived  at  Washington  on  the 
eighth  of  March,  1864,  in  obedience  to  the  call  of  the  Presi 
dent,  accompanied  by  General  Rawlings  and  Colonel 
Comstock,  of  his  staff,  and  by  his  son.  His  coming  was 
devoid  of  any  ostentation  on  his  part.  Indeed,  his  pres 
ence  was  not  known  until  some  hours  after  his  arrival, 
when  he  was  recognized  at  the  hotel  tea-table  by  a  gentle 
man  who  had  seen  the  General  at  New  Orleans.  All  the 
guests  immediately  rose  to  their  feet  in  honor  of  the  Lieu- 
tenant-General  of  the  United  States,  and  cheers  rent  the  air. 

IS    COMMISSIONED    LIEUTENANT-GENERAL- 
PROCEEDINGS  AT  THE  WHITE  HOUSE. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  ninth  of  March,  1864,  General 
Grant  visited  the  White  House,  when  he  received  his 
commission  as  Lieutenant-General.  A  large  concourse 
of  people  had  followed  him  to  the  executive  mansion. 
President  Lincoln  greeted  the  general  most  cordially. 
There  were  present  in  the  executive  chamber,  on  this  oc 
casion,  the  entire  Cabinet,  General  Halleck,  and  other  dis 
tinguished  men.  The  President,  holding  the  commission 
in  his  hand,  said  : 

"  GENERAL  GRANT  :  The  nation's  appreciation  of  what 
you  have  already  done,  and  its  reliance  upon  you  for  what 
still  remains  to  do  in  the  existing  great  struggle,  are  now 
presented  with  this  commission,  constituting  you  Lieuten 
ant-General  of  the  armies  of  the  United  States.  With  this 
high  honor  devolves  upon  you,  also,  a  corresponding  re 
sponsibility. 

"  As  the  country  herein  trusts  you,  so,  under  God,  it 
will  sustain  you.  I  scarcely  need  to  add,  that,  with  what 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         169 

I  here  speak  for  the  country,  goes  my  own  hearty  personal 
concurrence." 

Having  received  the  commission,  Lieutenant-General 
Grant  answered : 

11  MR  PRESIDENT  :  I  accept  this  commission  with  grati 
tude  for  the  high  honor  conferred.  With  the  aid  of  the 
noble  armies  who  have  fought  on  so  many  battle-fields  for 
our  common  country,  it  will  be  my  earnest  endeavor  not 
to  disappoint  your  expectations.  I  feel  the  full  weight 
of  the  responsibility  now  devolving  on  me.  I  know  that 
if  it  is  properly  met,  it  will  be  due  to  these  armies  ;  and 
above  all,  to  the  favor  of  that  Providence  which  leads  both 
nations  and  men." 

Lieutenant-General  Grant  was  then  introduced  to  the 
Cabinet,  and  on  the  next  day  visited  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac  in  company  with  General  Meade. 

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL    GRANT    AND 
GENERAL    HALLECK. 

On  the  evening  of  March  9th  he  had  a  long  interview  with 
General  Halleck  in  reference  to  further  plans  and  move 
ments,  and  the  following  order  was  subsequently  issued  : 

"  WAR  DEPARTMENT,  ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 

"  WASHINGTON,  March  12,  1864. 
"  GENERAL  ORDERS,  No.  98. 

"The  President  of  the  United  States  orders  as  follows  : 

"  First.  Major-General  Halleck  is,  at  his  own  request,  relieved 
from  duty  as  General-in-Chief  of  the  army,  and  Lieutenant-Gen 
eral  U.  S.  Grant  is  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  armies  of 
the  United  States.  The  head-quarters  of  the  army  will  be  in 
Washington,  and  also  with  Lieutenant-General  Grant  in  the  field. 

"  Second  Major-General  Halleck  is  assigned  to  duty  in  Wash 
ington  as  chief  of  staff  of  the  army,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Secretary  of  War  and  the  Lieutenant-General  commanding. 
His  orders  will  be  obeyed  and  respected  accordingly. 

"  Third.  Major-General  W.  T.  Sherman  is  assigned  to  the 
command  of  the  Military  Division  of  the  Mississippi,  composed 
of  the  Departments  of  the  Ohio,  the  Cumberland,  the  Tennessee, 
and  the  Arkansas. 


170        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

"  FOURTH.  Major-General  J.  B.  McPherson  is  assigned  to  the 
command  of  the  Department  and  Army  of  the  Tennessee. 

"  FIFTH.  In  relieving  Major-General  Halleck  from  duty  as  Gen- 
eral-in-Chief,  the  President  desires  to  express  his  approbation 
and  thanks  for  the  able  and  zealous  manner  in  which  the  ardu 
ous  and  responsible  duties  of  that  position  have  been  performed. 
"  By  order  of  the  "  SECRETARY  OF  WAR." 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  IN  THE  FIELD." 

If  there  was  really  any  opposition  to  the  appointment 
of  Grant  as  Lieutenant-General,  it  came  from  a  class  of 
men  of  a  practical  turn  of  mind,  who  had  witnessed  General 
Grant's  great  ability  in  the  field,  and  who  had  learned  to 
think  that  his  actual  presence  with  our  armies  in  action  was 
of  prime  importance.  They  regretted  this  popular  move 
ment,  because  they  could  but  regard  it  as  detrimental  to 
our  success,  if,  as  they  supposed,  the  Lieutenant-General's 
head-quarters  were  to  be  established  in  Washington.  But 
they  little  knew  the  man.  When  General  Grant  accepted 
his  commission  from  the  hands  of  the  President,  he  was 
prepared  to  assume  all  the  responsibilities  of  the  position. 
It  was  not  an  empty  title  to  him  ;  a  distinction  behind 
which  he  might  hide  himself  in  a  military  bureau  at  the 
capital.  His  motto  was  "  ACTION."  He  understood  per 
fectly  well  that  the  country  fully  expected  him  to  perso 
nally  superintend  the  movements  of  our  armies  ;  but  his 
own  desire  to  see  and  know  for  himself  the  position  of 
affairs  was  a  sufficient  incentive,  and  in  his  first  order,  on 
assuming  supreme  command,  there  was  the  ring  of  the 
true  metal  that  served  to  reconcile  all  the  shades  of  public 
sentiment.  Not  all  the  warm  blandishments  of  society, 
and  the  civilities  of  public  life  and  national  distinction  ten 
dered  him,  could  induce  him  to  desert  his  sterner  duties. 

GENERAL  BURNSIDE  ON  GENERAL  GRANT. 

Major-General  Ambrose  E.  Burnside  in  a  speech  deliv 
ered  at  Chicago,  spoke  as  follows  of  Lieutenant-Gcneral 
Grant : 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         171 

"  I  have  known  him  for  a  great  number  of  years.  If  there  is 
any  quality  for  which  General  Grant  is  particularly  character 
ized,  it  is  that  of  magnanimity.  He  is  one  of  the  most  magnan 
imous  men  I  ever  knew.  He  is  entirely  unambitious  and  unselfish. 
He  is  a  capital  judge  of  men,  and  is  possessed  of  a  remarkable 
degree  of  common  sense.  Those  qualities,  1  think,  make  a  pretty 
good  general — pretty  good,  like  when  he  has  good  generals  to 
deal  with,  because  if  he  has  magnanimity  he  will  give  credit  to 
the  general  for  wrhat  he  has  done.  If  he  is  not  ambitious,  he 
will  not  seek  to  undermine  any  other  person  who  may  seem  to 
be  in  his  way.  If  he  has  good  common  sense  and  judgment,  he 
will  pick  each  man  for  his  specific  duty  with  good  judgment.  So 
that  the  General  who  combines  all  these  qualifications  has  every 
hope  to  succeed.  Now,  General  Grant  has  thus  far  succeeded, 
and  really  I  believe  the  chances  are  that  he  will  succeed  in  the 
future.  He  is  to  leave  the  West  for  the  present,  and  take  com 
mand  of  the  Eastern  Army,  and  without  saying  any  thing  of  the 
Generals  who  have  heretofore  commanded  the  Eastern  Army,  I 
think  he  will  infuse  into  that  army  a  degree  of  confidence,  which 
it  has  not  felt  for  some  time,  because  success  always  carries  with 
it  confidence,  and  that  is  what  you  all  want.  There  is  not  a  gen 
tleman  or  lady  in  this  whole  assemblage  that  does  not  desire  suc 
cess,  to-night,  and,  inasmuch  as  he  has  been  successful  hereto 
fore,  he  will  have  the  confidence  of  the  community,  and  have  the 
qualifications,  which  I  think  he  has,  and  which  I  have  said  to 
you  he  has,  it  seems  to  me  we  can  all  go  home  to  night,  believing 
that  success  is  going  to  attend  General  Grant  in  the  command 
of  all  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  during  this  campaign. 
Every  loyal  heart  will  go  home  to-night  and  sincerely  and  hon 
estly  pray  to  God  he  may  be  strengthened  in  the  work  he  has 
to  do,  and  that  he  will  be  enabled  during  this  present  campaign 
toj)crush  this  infernal  rebellion,  which  has  threatened  to  ruin  and 
disrupt  the  Government  which  we  all  love  so  much." 

THE    LIEUTENANT-GENERAL'S    ORDER    ON 
ASSUMING  COMMAND. 

A  few  days  found  him  again  at  Nashville  perfecting  the 
movements  to  be  made  in  the  Division  of  the  Mississippi. 
Here  he  issued  the  following  order : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"  NASHVILLE,  TENNESSEE,  March  17,  1864. 
"  In  pursuance  of  the  following  order  of  the  President : 

"  '  EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  WASHINGTON,  March  10,  1864. 
"  '  Under  the  authority  of  the  act  of  Congress  to  appoint 
to  the  grade  of  Lieutenant-General  in  the  army,  of  March 
11 


172         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

1st,  1864,  Lieutenant-General  Ulysses  S.  Grant,  United 
States  Army,  is  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  armies 
of  the  United  States.  '"ABRAHAM  LINCOLN.' 

"  I  assume  command  of  the  Armies  of  the  United  States. 
Head-quarters  will  be  in  the  field,  and,  until  further  orders', 
will  be  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  There  will  be  an 
office  head-quarters  in  Washington,  to  which  all  official 
communications  will  be  sent,  except  those  from  the  Army 
where  the  head-quarters  are  at  the  date  of  their  address. 
"  U.  S.  GRANT,  Lieutenant- General." 

On  the  23d  of  March,  1864,  General  Grant  again  arrived 
in  Washington,  accompanied  by  his  wife  and  son.  Brig. 
Gen.  Rawlings,  Col.  Duff,  Maj.  Rawley,  and  Capt.  Bedeau, 
of  the  General's  staff,  were  with  him.  In  a  few  days  he 
had  established  his  head-quarters  in  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac,  at  Culpepper  Court  House. 

"ON  TO  RICHMOND." 

The  transfer  of  the  Lieutenant-General's  head-quarters 
to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  showed  that  he  intended  to 
make  Virginia  the  immediate  theatre  of  action.  Rich 
mond  seems  almost  to  have  been  invulnerable — uncon 
querable,  and  our  armies  had  so  often  failed  in  their  ad 
vances  upon  the  Rebel  Capital,  that  that  place  had  begun 
to  assume  more  importance  in  the  eyes  of  the  world  than 
any  other  in  the  so-called  confederacy. 

The  Army  of  the  Potomac  was  still  confronted  by  the 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  oscillating  between  points 
nearer  and  more  distant  from  the  goal  of  our  ambition, 
without  attaining  any  practical  results.  General  Grant 
had  a  herculean  task  before  him.  He  had  in  front  of  him 
an  army  that  was  unquestionably  the  largest  and  most 
splendid  in  the  Rebel  service,  under  command  of  a  Gen 
eral  worthy  of  his  steel.  That  army  was  covering  its 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GEANT.        173 

Capital,  to  which  it  could  but  be  expected  it  would  hold 
on  with  grim  desperation.  But  to  take  this  place  would 
have  an  immense  moral  effect  upon  both  Northern  and 
Southern  minds.  As  it  was,  the  moral  effect  of  our  re 
verses  was  damaging  to  the  national  cause.  "  And  why  had 
«ve  failed  ?"  was  a  not  unfrequent  question  ;  and  Congress 
took  up  the  refrain.  Jealousy,  rivalry  and  inordinate  am 
bition  doubtless  had  much  to  do  with  our  misfortunes ; 
but  the  great  fault  did  not  lie  there.  It  was  mainly  in  the 
peculiar  geographical  and  topographical  configuration  of 
the  couotry.  A  military  writer  whose  attention  was  at 
tracted  to  this  subject  at  this  time,  wrote  : 

"  Two  armies  of  equal  numbers  and  commanded  with 
equal  ability,  being  opposed  to  each  other,  their  move 
ments  and  achievements  must  be  entirely  determined  by 
the  nature  of  the  theatre  of  operations.  Perhaps  never 
in  the  history  of  warfare  has  the  character  of  the  ground 
exerted  more  influence  on  campaigns,  than  that  of  the  por 
tion  of  Virginia  which  lies  between  Washington  and 
Richmond.  On  the  right  of  our  army  are  chains  of  moun 
tains  which  enable  the  Rebels  to  conceal  any  flanking 
movement  they  may  undertake,  while  the  valleys  afford  to 
them  the  means  for  an  easy  and  uninterrupted  passage  to 
the  Potomac  above  Washington,  and  one  almost  entirely 
secure  from  attacks  in  their  rear.  On  our  front  is  a  suc 
cession  of  rivers,  presenting  great  natural  obstacles  to  our 
advance,  and  at  the  same  time  easily  defensible  ;  to  make 
flanking  movements  by  ascending  them  is  to  open  our  rear 
to  attacks  from  Fredericksburg,  and  to  cross  below  the 
Rebel  army,  leaves  the  railroad  a  prey  to  guerillas.  The 
country  is,  moreover,  masked  in  every  direction  by  dense 
forests,  rendering  any  thing  like  a  surprise  in  force  im 
practicable.  A  few  rebel  scouts  may  at  all  times  easily 
detect  and  thwart  such  a  movement.  Such  are  the 
natural  features  of  the  country." 


174         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL   GRANT   AND  MAJOR- 
GENERAL  MEADE. 

It  is  necessary  to  premise  our  remarks  upon  the  open 
ing  campaign  by  saying,  that  General  Grant  did  not  as 
sume  the  immediate  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
which  remained  under  the  direction  of  General  Meade, 
The  orders  were  issued  by  General  Meade  and  he  com 
manded  the  army  in  person.  General  Grant  held  a  super 
visory  control  over  the  whole.  His  wishes  were  however 
respected  and  implicitly  followed  ;  while  at  the  same  time 
the  movements  of  all  the  armies,  however  far  separated, 
were  under  the  guiding  hand  of  the  Lieutenant-General. 

A    RE-ORGANIZATION. 

On  the  24th  of  March,  1864,  a  re-organization  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  was  effected.  The  number  of  army 
corps  was  reduced  to  three  ;  the  Second,  under  command  of 
Major  General  Winfield  S.  Hancock ;  the  Fifth,  under 
command  of  Major-General  G.  W.  Warren  ;  and  the  Sixth, 
under  command  of  General  Sedgwick.  On  the  fourth  of 
April,  1864,  Major-General  Sheridan  was  placed  in  com 
mand  of  the  cavalry  corps.  Division  officers  were  also 
re-assigned. 

A  partial  re-organization  was  also  effected  in  the  Army 
of  the  Southwest.  By  direction  of  the  President,  under 
date  of  April  fourth,  1864,  the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  corps 
were  consolidated  and  placed  under  command  of  Major- 
General  Hooker,  and  the  new  corps  was  called  the  Twen 
tieth. 

The  Lieutenant-General,  accompanied  by  several  of  his 
staff  officers,  made  a  tour  of  survey  of  all  our  forces  in 
Virginia,  Gen.  W.  F.  Smith,  accompanying  him  in  his 
visit  to  Butler's  command. 

By  order  of  General  Grant,  active  measures  were  taken 
to  get  into  the  field  all  recruits,  new  organizations  and  all 
troops  that  could  be  spared.  Reinforcements  were  con- 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         175 

stantly  pouring  into  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  The  notes 
of  military  preparation  all  over  the  country  indicated  the 
near  approach  of  a  most  vigorous  campaign.  Now  the 
Lieutenant-General  is  on  a  tour  of  inspection,  then  he  is 
closeted  with  the  authorities  at  Washington,  until  the  close 
of  April,  1864,  when  all  the  preliminaries  seem  to  have 
been  settled.  Civilians  and  sutlers  are  ordered  out  of  the 
lines  and  no  more  passes  are  granted  to  applicants  for 
admission.  Meantime  Lee  was  not  idle.  He  busied  him 
self  in  the  erection  of  additional  fortifications  along  the 
south  bank  of  the  Rapidan,  in  anticipation  of  the  coming 
contest.  General  Grant  was  not  disposed  to  wait  on  the 
development  of  Lee's  plans. 

He  had  well  digested  plans  of  his  own,  which  he  pre 
pared  to  put  into  execution,  and  until  the  early  part  of 
May,  1864,  he  labored  incessantly,  concentrating  his 
valiant  troops  preliminary  to  the  grand  onward  movement. 

THE    GRAND    CAMPAIGN. 

With  the  genial  month  of  May,  1864,  opened  one  of  the 
greatest  military  campaigns  on  record.  Not  only  was 
the  Lieutenant-General  directing  the  movements  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  but  he  had  taken  the  reins  well  in 
hand,  and  with  the  initiation  of  the  new  movement  upon 
Richmond,  SHERMAN  commenced  operations  in  Northern 
Georgia  against  JOHNSTON  ;  BANKS  had  been  ordered  to 
protect  our  gunboats  on  the  Red  River  ;  General  STEELE 
in  Arkansas  was  punishing  STERLING  PRICE,  and  BUTLER 
was  safely  lodged  on  the  right  bank  of  the  James  at  Ber 
muda  Hundred,  thus  threatening  the  rebel  Capital  from  a 
point  where  they  least  expected  danger.  General  GRANT'S 
combinations  were  of  a  magnitude  hitherto  unknown  in 
war.  They  extended  over  a  vast  territory ;  from  the 
Chesapeake  Bay  on  the  Atlantic  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico, 
thence  northward  through  the  Indian  territory  to  the 


176       LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT? 

upper  boundary  of  Missouri,  and  striking  eastward,  in 
cluded  Tennessee  and  all  the  States  in  rebellion.  To  a 
man  of  ordinary  nerve  and  ability  the  prospect  was  ap 
palling  ;  but  General  GRANT  was  fully  equal  to  the  Her 
culean  task.  With  a  mind  of  wonderful  strength,  an 
equanimity  which  is  never  disturbed  in  the  most  perilous 
moment,  and  an  ability  to  comprehend  the  situation  of  his 
enemy  as  well  as  his  own,  he  formed  his  plans  for  the 
spring  and  summer  campaigns,  and  having  forwarded 
his  orders  to  his  Lieutenants  in  the  different  portions  of 
the  vast  field  over  which  he  was  master,  he  advanced  on 
the  3d  of  May,  1864,  to  the  Rapidan.  This  river  was 
crossed  on  the  4th,  at  two  fords,  toward  the  right  flank 
of  the  enemy,  the  Union  army  thus  placing  itself  on  a  line 
nearly  parallel  with  the  stream,  between  Orange  Court 
House  and  Chancellorsville. 

The  order  to  march  was  issued  from  General  MEADE'S 
headquarters,  on  the  morning  of  the  3d,  and  was  dis 
seminated  through  the  army  by  2  P.  M.  General  GREGG'S 
cavalry  division,  accompanied  by  a  portion  of  the  canvas 
pontoon  train,  moved  in  the  afternoon  toward  Richards- 
ville,  and  were  engaged  until  late  at  night  repairing  the 
roads  to  Ely's  Ford.  Soon  after  midnight  that  division 
moved  to  the  ford  named,  to  establish  a  crossing.  About 
midnight  the  Third  Cavalry  Division,  with  another  por 
tion  of  the  canvas  pontoon  train,  left  for  Germania  Ford, 
five  or  six  miles  above,  there  to  establish  another  crossing  ; 
both  efforts  were  successful. 

The  advance  of  the  Second  Corps,  Major-General  HAN 
COCK,  commanding,  broLe  camp  at  midnight,  and  moved 
down  the  Stevensburg  and  Richardsville  road  toward  Ely's 
Ford.  The  entire  Corps  were  on  the  march  before  three 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  in  the  same  direction,  and  effected 
a  crossing  soon  after  daylight. 

The  Fifth  Corps,  under  Major-General  WARREN,  com- 


LIFE  OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         177 

menced  moving  at  midnight.  The  advance,  consisting 
of  two  divisions  of  infantry  and  a  portion  of  the  artillery, 
passed  through  Stevensburg  at  midnight,  closely  followed 
by  the  remainder  of  the  Corps — all  marching  toward  Ger- 
mania  Ford. 

The  Fifth  Corps  was  closely  succeeded  by  the  Sixth, 
under  General  SEDGWICK,  which  quitted  its  camp  at  four 
o'clock,  A.  M.  Both  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  Corps  crossed  the 
Rapidan  at  Germania  Ford. 

General  SHERIDAN,  commanding  the  cavalry,  encoun 
tered  STUART'S  rebel  cavalry,  and  after  heavy  fighting 
drove  the  enemy  back  on  Orange  Court  House. 

General  LEE  prepared  during  the  night  of  the  fourth  for 
battle  on  the  ensuing  day. 

BATTLES    OF    THE    WILDERNESS. 

On  Thursday,  May  5th,  1864,  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  Corps 
were  early  in  motion,  and  at  about  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the 
centre  of  the  Fifth  Corps  had  reached  the  intersection  of 
the  pike  and  plank  road  leading  from  Fredericksburg  to 
Orange  Court  House,  marked  on  the  maps  as  "  Wilderness." 
And  here  it  is  necessary  to  pause  a  moment  and  say  a 
word  as  to  the  topography  of  the  surrounding  country. 

The  word  wilderness  conveys  generally  the  impression 
of  a  deserted  waste,  and  the  term,  applied  to  the  region  in 
which  the  great  battle  was  fought,  is  no  misnomer.  It  is 
an  exceedingly  broken  table  land,  irregular  in  its  con 
formation,  and  so  densely  covered  with  dwarf  timber  and 
undergrowth  as  to  render  progress  through  it  very  diffi 
cult  and  laborious  off  of  the  few  roads  and  paths  that 
penetrate  it.  This  timber  was  so  effectually  an  ally  of  the 
Rebels,  for  they  had  taken  care  to  take  position  near  its 
edge,  leaving  us  an  open  country  at  our  back,  that  a 
whole  division  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  might  be  invisi 
ble  a  few  hundred  feet  off.  The  knolly  character  of  the 


178        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

ground,  in  conjunction  with  this  timber,  also  prevented  us 
almost  entirely  from  using  our  artillery,  depriving;  us  of  our 
undoubted  superiority  in  that  arm.  At  the  Wilderness,  is 
the  crossing  or  intersection  of  the  pike  and  plank  roads 
from  Fredericksburg  to  Orange  Court  House,  in  a  general 
southwest  direction.  These  roads  are  here  reached  by 
the  roads  from  Culpepper  and  Brandy  Station,  via  Ger- 
mania  Ford ;  and.  at  Chancellorsville,  four  miles  and  a 
half  eastward  of  the  Wilderness,  the  pike  is  crossed 
exactly  at  a  right  angle  by  the  road  from  Ely's  Ford  to 
Spottsylvania  Court  House. 

On  Thursday  morning,  the  army  lay  on  the  Germania 
Ford  road  and  the  pike.  The  army  was  in  column  ;  the 
trains  of  the  various  headquarters  were  drawn  up  by  the 
roadside,  and  men,  teamsters  and  subordinate  officers  were 
expecting  the  order  to  move  on  and  wondering  why  it  did 
not  come. 

The  Second  Corps  was  beyond  the  Wilderness  at  this 
moment,  and  thus  occupying  our  left ;  the  Fifth  and 
Sixth  Corps  occupying  our  centre  and  right  respectively. 
The  morning  wore  slowly  away,  and  still  our  splendid 
legions  lay  in  the  road  whiling  the  time  away  by  the 
various  devices  that  only  idle  men  can  invent.  At  last 
the  headquarters'  standard  of  the  Army  of  the  Poto 
mac  was  struck  into  the  earth  near  the  old  Wilder 
ness  Tavern,  and  the  Generals  began  gathering  around 
it.  MEADE  was  there,  his  grey  beard  seeming  to  bristle  a 
little  in  expectation  of  the  coming  fight.  HANCOCK, 
WARREN,  SEDGWICK,  and  various  other  general  officers, 
gathered  into  little  knots  and  engaged  in  earnest  consul 
tation.  Maps  were  drawn  out  and  being  spread  upon  the 
ground,  and  lines  were  traced  and  points  indicated.  It 
looked  ominous.  Still,  not  a  single  sign  of  battle  reached 
the  main  body  of  the  army.  No  rumors  of  cavalry  en 
gagements  nor  sound  of  desultory  shots  gave  it  warning, 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         179 

and  it  lay  in  the  sunshine  expecting  the  preliminary  com 
mand  and  the  sonorous  "  Forward  !" 

At  last  WARREN  galloped  off,  and  the  head  of  his 
column  began  filing  over  the  point  of  a  hill  a  little  to  the 
left  of  Wilderness  Tavern,  and  to  the  summit  of  the  same 
hill  the  headquarters  of  the  army  were  removed.  In  an 
incredibly  short  space  of  time,  an  army  on  the  march  was 
changed  into  an  army  in  line  of  battle.  At  about  this 
time,  dropping  shot  were  heard  to  the  right  and  south  of 
Wilderness  Tavern,  and  a  gallop  of  two  miles  and  a  half 
down  the  pike,  in  the  direction  of  Orange  Court  House, 
revealed  a  brigade  of  GRIFFIN'S  Division  in  line  of  battle, 
far  to  the  front.  Gradually  the  contest  grew  from  picket- 
firing  to  skirmish,  from  skirmish  to  battle,  and  by  twelve 
o'clock,  meridian,  the  action  fairly  commenced.  A  small 
disaster  marked  its  opening.  The  brigade  had  scarcely 
formed  for  action,  when  it  was  met  by  a  terrible  volley 
of  musketry,  and  the  Rebels,  taking  advantage  of  the 
momentary  confusion,  came  rushing  up  to  the  charge. 
We  had  not  yet  learned  the  character  of  the  ground 
thoroughly,  and  were  attempting  to  use  artillery,  having 
two  guns  of  Battery  D,  First  New  York,  in  position,  and 
these  the  Rebels  captured,  but  they  were  all  the  trophies  in 
that  line  they  secured  during  the  entire  action. 

From  WARREN'S  lines  the  battle  spread  to  SEDGWICK'S 
early  in  the  afternoon,  and  that  veteran  and  accomplished 
soldier  met  it  grandly.  Steadily  and  firmly  he  met  the 
Rebel  attack,  and  finally,  and  almost  inch  by  inch,  he 
pressed  the  Rebels  back  from  his  front  until  they  began 
to  tire  of  the  sport — and,  earlier  in  the  day  than  on  other 
points  of  the  lines,  the  action  dwindled  into  a  skirmish. 

On  our  left,  HANCOCK  took  the  initiative,  and  gave 
LONGSTREET  a  lesson  in  the  art  of  war  that  will  be  long 
remembered.  The  conflict  on  that  part  of  our  lines  was 
terrific.  It  seemed  that  muskets  had  become  endowed 


180       LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

with  supernatural  powers,  and  spoke  in  one  long  continu 
ous  diapason,  horrible  to  hear,  so  suggestive  was  it  of 
mangled,  lifeless  forms,  laid  forever  at  rest;  or  worse,  of 
writhing,  bleeding,  suffering  humanity  stretched  upon 
mother  earth.  As  the  day  drew  to  its  close,  the  contest 
there  and  everywhere  upon  our  lines  gradually  ceased, 
until  at  last  only  now  and  then  a  desultory  shot  told  that 
the  defiant  foe  of  law  was  on  our  front  in  battle  array. 
Thus  ended  Thursday,  May  5th. 

During  the  day,  General  GRANT  was  on  the  field,  calm 
and  imperturbable  as  usual.  His  confidence  was  un 
shaken  through  all  the  varying  fortunes  of  the  day.  LEE 
had  met  our  army  on  his  own  chosen  ground,  and  though 
we  had  not  driven  him  from  his  position,  the  Lieutenant- 
General  was  satisfied  with  the  day's  work,  and  commenced 
making  his  dispositions  for  renewing  the  battle  on  the 
next  morning. 

THE  BLOODY   CONTEST   OF  FRIDAY. 

Friday,  destined  to  be  a  bloody,  eventful,  and  almost 
a  disastrous  day  in  American  history,  was  hardly  graced 
with  morning  light  before  the  action  was  recommenced. 
It  was  general,  but  during  the  earlier,  and  in  fact  during 
the  entire  day,  it  was  fiercest  before  HANCOCK. 

This  magnificent  soldier,  backed  by  a  magnificent  corps, 
had  terrible  work  before  him.  Pressed  by  the  apparently 
constantly  increasing  forces  of  LONGSTREET,  he  struggled 
hard,  fiercely,  and  long,  to  hold  his  own,  but  was  twice 
driven  back  to  his  breastworks ;  and  once  the  adventurous 
Rebels  ventured  to  plant  their  colors  within  his  field- 
works — but  the  insult  was  instantly  avenged,  by  hurling 
the  enemy  neck-and-heels  out  of  the  sanctuary.  At  last 
relief  came  in  the  shape  of  the  Ninth  Corps,  under  the 
gallant  BURNSIDE,  and  HANCOCK  was  allowed  to  breathe 
free  once  more.  Such  fighting  as  HANCOCK  did  that  day 


LIFE   OF  GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        181 

had  probably  never  been  seen  before.  Back  and  forth — 
first  charged  and  then  charging — the  bodies  of  Union  and 
Rebel  dead  lying  side  by  side  by  hundreds  on  the  con 
tested  ground,  attested  the  unparalleled  severity  of  the 
conflict. 

Later  in  the  day  came  SEDGWICK'S  hour  of  trial.  A 
lull  succeeded  the  tempest.  On  our  left  they  seemed  de 
termined  to  turn  one  or  the  other  of  our  flanks,  and  half 
an  hour  before  sunset,  A.  P.  HILL  fell  with  wonderful 
celerity  and  crushing  force  upon  the  extreme  right  of 
SEDGWICK.  That  attack  will  long  be  remembered  by  all 
in  its  vicinity.  The  battle  had  apparently  closed  for  the 
day,  when  all  at  once  the  silence  of  the  deepening  evening 
was  broken — first,  by  a  volley  of  musketry  to  which  all 
other  firing  had  seemed  but  boyish  playing,  then  with  a 
yell,  at  once  defiant  and  exultant !  Our  right  was  turned 
at  once — the  two  brigades  composing  the  extreme  right, 
with  their  commanders,  SEYMOUR  and  STALER,  were  in 
stantly  swallowed  in  the  wild  waves  of  yelling  Rebels, 
whose  appetite,  whetted  by  what  it  fed  on,  still  rushed  on 
for  fresh  food.  The  day  seemed  utterly  lost;  and  de 
struction  not  only  to  the  Corps,  but  the  army,  appeared 
inevitable.  In  that  moment  of  extreme  peril,  the  nation 
and  the  army  was  fortunate  enough  to  have  SEDGWICK  at 
the  point  of  danger.  Out  of  that  instant  of  uttermost 
peril,  his  ability  and  fortitude  plucked,  if  not  victory,  at 
least  safety.  Taking  advantage  of  the  reflux  that  always 
follows  the  first  impetus  of  a  charge,  he  quickly  reformed 
the  Corps — and  driving  the  enemy  beyond  his  breast 
works,  once  more  was  in  safety. 

From  out  of  this  desperate  attack  grew  another  inci 
dent,  fearful  always  in  an  army,  but  doubly  so  at  night.  , 
Just  at  dark,  a  stampede  began — first,  among  the  strag 
gling  soldiers  watching  the  fight  from  a  safe  distance, 
They  rushed  in  wild  confusion  to  the  rear.     The  instinct 


182        LIFE   OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

of  safety  in  the  army  teamsters  is  wonderfully  acute,  and 
the  sight  of  these  frightened  fugitives  soon  started  the 
wagons  in  wild  confusion  and  galloping  haste  over  the 
low  hills.  The  rush  of  the  wagons  started  every  thing 
else,  and  where  but  a  moment  before  all  was  quiet  confi 
dence,  was  now  all  hastening  alarm.  This  scene  lasted 
some  half  an  hour,  when  the  iron  hand  of  military  law 
succeeded  in  re-establishing  order,  and  hardly  had  quiet 
been  restored,  when  the  movements  of  other  of  the  same 
wagons  gave  us  a  premonition — it  was  the  general  move 
of  all  the  army  transportation  on  the  turnpike  in  the 
direction  of  Chancellorsville.  What  could  it  mean  ?  Had 
the  attack  on  our  right  been  fatal,  and  were  we  retreating 
from  a  field  sanctified  with  patriot  blood  and  rendered 
illustrious  by  such  heroic  fortitude  as  our  men  had  here 
displayed  ?  Subsequent  events  proved  that  this  was  not 
the  case,  but  the  days  of  hard  knocks  were  over,  and 
those  of  strategy  at  hand.  We  were  still  to  have  one 
more  example  of  what  desperate  things  desperate  men 
will  do. 

At  eleven  o'clock,  a  night  attack  was  made  on  WAR- 
BEN'S  line.  Night  attacks  are  always  terrible  things  to 
the  party  attacked,  but  coupled  with  the  partial  disaster 
on  our  right  it  was  doubly  so  this  night.  Without  warn 
ing  of  any  kind,  the  Rebels  leaped  upon  the  Fifth  Corps. 
No  Corps  in  the  service  had  a  more  honorable  record  than 
the  Fifth,  and  none  under  the  circumstances  could  have 
borne  itself  more  bravely ;  yet,  in  spite  of  its  bravery, 
the  corps  was  driven  back  and  pressed  until  at  last  the 
line  of  Rebel  skirmishers  were  in  dangerous  proximity  to 
GRANT'S  and  MEADE'S  headquarters. 

But  not  for  this  brief  episode  of  battle,  thundering  amid 
the  darkness  of  the  night  but  a  little  way  to  the  front  of 
the  pike,  was  the  movement  of  the  trains  interrupted  even 
for  a  moment.  Still  on  they  went,  in  an  almost  inter- 


LIFE    OF   GENKKAL    ULYSSES    S.   GKANT,        188 

minable  stream,  and  by  daylight  nearly  all  had  passed  to 
the  left  of  the  right  centre.    During  the  night  the  wounded 
from  the  hospitals  in  the  rear  of  the  right  and  right  centre 
were  also  removed  in  the  same  direction,  but  the  exact 
purport  of  the  movement  could  not  be  even  guessed. 

Friday,  May  5th,  had  closed  partially  in  disaster.  We 
had  succeeded  certainly  in  repelling  most  of  the  enemy's 
attacks,  but  we  were  not  there  with  that  object.  The 
army  of  the  Potomac  had  begun  its  present  movement 
with  the  intention  of  sweeping  LEE'S  army  from  the 
earth,  and  it  had  not  accomplished  its  mission  on  Friday. 

GRANT    OUT    OF    THE    WILDERNESS.— SATUR 
DAY    AND    SUNDAY'S    OPERATIONS. 

The  enemy  had  ttirned  our  right  flank,  and  the  imprac 
ticability  of  a  further  engagement  against  the  enemy  in 
that  position  was  easily  perceived.  Our  right  was  turned, 
and  Gerniania  Ford  was  potentially  in  the  hands  of  the 
enemy.  Our  line  was  now  bent  into  an  angle,  and  facing 
both  south  and  west.  The  losses  in  killed,  wounded  and 
missing,  could  not  thus  far  have  been  less  than  fifteen 
thousand,  and  we  had  only  gained  a  slight  advantage  on 
the  enemy's  right.  But  the  enemy,  though  successful 
against  our  right  flank,  was  unable  to  profit  by  the  advan 
tage  gained. 

Saturday  morning  came  and  went,  and  the  enemy 
showed  no  signs  of  ability  to  improve  the  advantages 
gained.  Soon  from  along  our  lines  there  came  reports 
that  the  enemy  were  retreating,  and  it  became  evident 
that  only  a  small  force  was  before  us,  and  that  the  rebels 
were  making  the  most  diligent  improvement  of  their  time 
in  getting  safely  back  to  such  a  position  as  would  give 
them  the  start  in  a  race  toward  Richmond.  Indeed,  it 
was  to  be  feared  that  the  enemy  had  already  moved  so  far 
on  the  route  as  to  put  us  second  in  chase. 


184        LIFE    OF  GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

But  Saturday  was,  however,  not  unimproved  on  our 
side  in  preparation  for  anticipating  the  enemy  in  such  a 
movement,  and  the  Cavalry  Corps,  under  the  command  of 
General  SHERIDAN,  had  been  sent  out  on  the  road  which 
leads  through  Spottsylvania  Court  House  to  Granger's 
Station  and  Hanover  Court  House. 

The  cavalry  encountered  the  enemy  at  Todd's  Tavern, 
commanded  by  FITZHUGH  LEE,  which  offered  a  most  de 
termined  resistance  on  Saturday  morning,  and  before  the 
day  closed  the  whole  of  STUART'S  Cavalry  Corps  was  in 
position  to  resist  the  efforts  we  were  making  to  turn  the 
right  flank  of  General  LEE'S  army. 

We  had  now  possession  of  the  road  to  within  two  and 
a  half  miles  of  Spottsylvania  Court  House.  Preparations 
were  accordingly  made  for  moving  the  whole  army  on  the 
enemy's  flank  toward  Richmond,  hoping  that  by  pro 
longed  and  forced  marches,  and  by  pushing  our  troops 
vigorously  into  action,  we  might  be  able,  having  the  ad 
vantage  of  interior  lines,  .either  to  reach  Richmond  before 
the  enemy,  or,  if  we  should  be  unable  to  turn  his  flank, 
and  the  enemy  should  succeed  in  presenting  himself  in 
force  upon  our  front,  that  we  might  gain  so  complete  a 
victory  over  him  as  to  render  the  capture  of  Richmond  a 
comparatively  easy  task. 

At  sunset,  on  Saturday  night,  the  infantry  commenced 
to  move  on  the  road  to  Richmond  to  anticipate  the  enemy 
at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  to  turn  his  right  flank 
being  the  proximate  object  of  the  march.  The  Ninth 
Army  Corps  was  the  first  upon  the  route,  but  soon 
halted  to  allow  General  WARREN  with  the  Fifth  Corps 
to  pass.  The  Sixth  Corps  left  their  intrenchments 
quietly  at  ten  o'clock,  the  Second  Corps  followed,  keep 
ing  up  the  rear,  and  cavalry  protected  their  flank.  Thus 
before  midnight  the  entire  line  of  our  earthworks  was 
vacant,  and  the  army  was  again  upon  its  march. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        185 

General  GRANT,  with  his  staff  and  escort,  moved  their 
headquarters  at  eight  o'clock.  An  alarm  occurred  on  the 
road  as  the  General  passed  the  lines  of  the  corps  which 
were  nearest  to  those  of  the  enemy.  A  short  rattle  of 
musketry  was  heard,  and  the  General  halted  at  General 
HANCOCK'S  headquarters  on  the  road,  and  scouts  were  sent 
along  the  picket  lines,  who  ascertained  that  the  enemy 
had  raised  a  shout  in  reply  to  the  shouts  of  our  troops, 
which  provoked  the  pickets  to  discharge  their  pieces  and 
rush  back  to  their  supports. 

The  General  and  his  escort  went  on  dashing  through 
the  woods,  upon  by-roads,  to  avoid  the  troops  and  wagon 
trains,  his  escort  trailing  behind  him.  They  galloped 
along  through  the  darkness,  occasionally  overtaking  a 
body  of  troops,  who,  as  they  ascertained  that  General 
GRANT  was  passing,  raised  such  shouts  and  cheers  as  to 
place  any  similar  demonstration  which  this  army  had 
manifested  into  utter  insignificance.  The  party  reached 
Todd's  Tavern  soon  after  midnight,  where  headquarters 
were  established. 

The  wagon  train  was  encamped  in  a  park  near  Chancel- 
lorsville.  General  WARREN'S  Corps  passed  on  through 
Todd's  Tavern  on  Saturday  night,  toward  the  front,  and 
at  sunrise  were  within  two  and  a  half  miles  of  Spottsyl- 
vania  Court  House,  and  immediately  were  put  into  action 
to  relieve  the  cavalry.  The  enemy  were  also  just  in  time 
for  a  similar  movement,  and  STUART'S  cavalry  were  sim 
ultaneously  relieved  by  LONGSTREET'S  corps  of  infantry. 
The  Fifth  Corps,  tired  with  a  long  night  march,  rushed 
into  action  with  a  double-quick,  General  ROBINSON'S 
Division  leading  the  charge.  The  rebels  yielded  before 
them,  and  we  pushed  them  on  for  three  miles.  During 
the  battle  General  ROBINSON  was  wounded. 

The  last  engagement  of  this  morning's  fight  was  very 
severe ;  our  losses  were  great ;  General  ROBINSON  was 


186         LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

severely  wounded,  but  we  charged  them  so  far  and  so  im 
petuously  that  our  men  were  outflanked  on  the  left  and 
had  to  fall  back  a  short  distance  to  form  their  lines  anew. 
Many  of  the  men  who  were  engaged  in  this  action  were  so 
exhausted  and  overcome  with  weariness  and  fatigue  that 
they  could  hardly  support  themselves,  and  after  they  had 
charged  through  a  clearing  and  a  strip  of  wood,  were 
forced  to  retire  eight  rods.  The  enemy  gained  no  advan 
tage,  for  our  artillery  was  brougifl  into  action,  and  the 
rebels  were  unable  to  occupy  the  position  which  our  men 
had  abandoned. 

The  Fifth  Corps  had  suffered  in  the  previous  fight  so 
severely  that  there  was  not  a  single  division  of  it  in  per 
fect  fighting  trim ;  but  General  AUGUR,  commanding  the 
Regulars,  filed  in  from  the  right,  and  the  position  was 
held  at  last.  We  had  now  nearly  advanced  to  where  two 
roads  form  a  junction,  within  two  miles  and  a  half  of 
Spottsylvania  Court  House.  The  crest  at  the  junction  of 
these  roads  once  attained,  an  important  advantage  would 
have  been  achieved.  This  was  not  quite  accomplished. 
Another  desperate  effort  must  be  made  before  Spottsylva 
nia  Court  House  would  be  in  our  possession.  That  point 
once  reached,  an  open  country  and  fair  battle  fields  lay 
before  the  army,  and  it  already  began  to  realize,  to  some 
extent,  the  advantages  of  "  getting  out  of  the  Wilderness." 

The  greater  part  of  the  Sabbath  was  occupied  in  ex 
amining  the  positions,  in  resting  the  men,  and  in  making 
preparations  for  a  renewal  of  the  attack  at  night.  Noth 
ing  transpired  during  the  day  with  the  exception  of  an 
artillery  duel.  About  noon  the  batteries  were  posted, 
ours  in  the  edge  of  a  piece  of  woods ;  theirs  on  an 
opposing  hill. 

As  evening  approached,  General  GRANT  started  to  the 
front  to  take  another  glance  at  the  position,  and  to  inspire 
our  troops  for  the  grand  onset  which  was  soon  to  be 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT.         187 

made.  Before  the  General  arrived  at  our  left  flank,  the 
rattle  of  musketry  from  the  advance  skirmishers,  and  the 
straggling  back  of  wounded  men,  indicated  that  the 
moment  had  almost  arrived.  Troops  from  the  Fifth  and 
Sixth  Corps,  in  several  heavy  lines,  were  concentrated  in 
front  of  the  position  to  which  the  rebels  had  fallen  back 
after  the  engagement  in  the  early  part  of  the  day.  Gene 
ral  WRIGHT'S  division,  already  distinguished  by  most 
gallant  conduct,  took  the  lead.  At  quarter  before  seven 
a  shout  was  raised,  and  the  attack  commenced  as  our 
troops  moved  out  of  the  woods  through  a  narrow  open 
space  and  up  a  tangled  thicket,  which  was  held  and  for 
tified  by  the  enemy.  MILLS'  Brigade  and  the  Jersey 
troops  were  once  more  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  reduced 
though  they  were  in  one  regiment  from  four  hundred  and 
thirty  men  to  one  hundred  and  eighty,  and  commanded 
by  a  captain.  Deafening  musketry  and  a  dense  volume 
of  smoke  raised  up  from  the  place  where  they  engaged 
the  enemy  for  half  an  hour. 

At  a  quarter  after  seven,  as  the  light  began  to  fade 
away,  the  heat  of  the  firing  began  to  cease.  Hitherto  the 
ear  could  scarcely  distinguish  any  fluctuation  in  the  sounds 
which  came  from  those  gloomy  pines.  But  now  the  enemy 
commenced  to  give  way,  and  the  shouts  of  our  men 
receding  as  the  enemy  were  pushed  along,  showed  that  the 
issues  of  the  attack  were  favorable  and  decided.  We  had 
beaten  the  enemy,  had  drawn  them  from  the  position 
which  they  had  so  strongly  contested,  but  the  darkness 
was  now  so  great  that  we  could  not  safely  press  them 
further,  and  Spottsylvania  Court  House  still  remained, 
that  night,  in  the  hands  of  the  rebels. 

MONDAY'S    OPERATIONS. 

Monday  afternoon  was  spent  quietly  in  camp,  both  for 
the  much-needed  rest  of  the  soldiers  and  for  replenishing 
12 


188        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

the  army  with  rations.  We  lost  General  SEDQWICK 
during  the  day,  not  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight,  where  he 
had  so  often  exposed  himself,  but  by  the  hand  of  a  sharp 
shooter  during  the  interval  of  preparation.  The  General 
was  inspecting  the  picket  lines  in  front,  attended  by  two 
of  his  staff,  when  a  ball  passed  in  below  his  eye,  passing 
through  the  base  of  the  brain  and  the  medulla  oblongata, 
killing  him  instantly. 

Our  train  of  ambulances,  containing  some  thirteen  thou 
sand  wounded,  was  started  on  the  road  across  Ely's  Ford, 
but  was  attacked  and  turned  back.  It  finally  proceeded 
to  Fredericksburg,  where  almost  every  house  was  con 
verted  into  a  hospital. 

TUESDAY'S    GREAT    BATTLE.      FIRST  DAY   AT 
SPOTTSYLVANIA    COURT    HOUSE. 

HANCOCK,  during  the  night,  left  the  line  occupied  by 
him  during  Monday,  and  swung  his  front  around  early  in 
the  morning,  taking  a  position  about  one  mile  and  a  half 
in  advance  of  his  former  position,  driving  the  enemy 
before  him  and  making  good  use  of  artillery  and  in 
fantry  fire. 

About  half-past  ten  o'clock,  CUTTER'S  Division  of  the 
Fifth  Corps,  left  their  previous  position,  and  formed  a  line 
of  battle  on  the  edge  of  a  piece  of  open  country  to  the 
right  and  rear  of  HANCOCK'S  left.  A  column  was  deployed 
across  this  piece  of  ground  and  formed  in  line  within  easy 
musket  range  of  a  piece  of  woods  filled  with  the  rebels. 
This  column  maintained  the  position  occupied  by  them 
nearly  the  entire  day,  and  were  subject  to  terrible  artillery 
and  musketry  fire,  which  was  returned  with  great  spirit 
and  effect.  A  portion  of  GRIFFIN'S  Division,  of  the  Fifth 
Corps,  were  sent  to  drive  the  rebels  out  of  a  copse  of 
woods  held  by  them,  on  the  right  of  the  Fifth  Corps. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         189 

They  entered  the  woods  by  brigades,  which  were  relieved 
alternately,  and  for  hours  a  deadly  and  determined  fight 
continued,  in  which  a  little  ground  was  gained  by  our 
troops  with  much  difficulty,  the  rebels  contesting  every 
inch  of  the  same.  Batteries  D  and  H,  of  the  First  New 
York  Artillery,  held  positions  to  the  left  of  these  woods, 
and  did  fine  execution  in  throwing  shell  and  grape-shot, 
which  told  with  effect  on  the  enemy.  COOPER'S  First 
Pennsylvania  Battery  was  held  in  reserve  on  the  brow  of 
a  hill,  ready  to  cover  any  reverse  that  our  men,  who  were 
fighting  so  desperately  in  the  woods  in  front,  might  sus 
tain.  About  12  o'clock,  General  RICE,  who  gallantly  led 
the  Fourth  Division  of  the  Fifth  Corps  into  action,  re 
ceived  a  musket  ball  in  the  knee.  He  was  carried  to  the 
rear,  and  died  during  the  afternoon.  The  division  com 
manded  by  General  RICE  were  stoutly  engaged  during  the 
day,  and  at  one  time  were  subjected  to  a  murderous  fire 
from  different  points  for  a  period  of  three  hours,  without 
intermission. 

From  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning  until  the  shades  of 
night  fell,  the  battle  raged  with  the  greatest  fury.  Di 
vision  after  divisron  went  into  the  woods  and  pressed 
steadily  forward.  No  column  retired,  except  to  take  a 
rest  on  the  edge  of  the  woods  while  being  relieved  by 
others.  The  roar  of  artillery  and  sharp  rattling  of  the 
musketry  was  absolutely  fearful.  Shells  were  bursting  in 
every  direction,  and  either  side  most  resolutely  maintained 
their  respective  positions  for  hours. 

Early  in  the  afternoon,  two  divisions  of  HANCOCK'S 
Corps  changed  positions  from  right  to  left,  and  after  a 
brief  rest  went  into  the  woods  with  great  spirit,  and  were 
shortly  in  close  conflict  with  the  enemy.  Two  batteries 
on  the  right  of  WRIGHT'S  Corps  were  in  active  service 
during  the  morning,  engaged  in  shelling  the  woods  to  the 
right,  which  were  filled  with  rebels.  This  firing  ceased 


190        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

during  the  afternoon,  the  Rebels  retiring  to  safer  positions. 
The  enemy,  about  half-past  three  o'clock,  succeeded  in 
maintaining  a  cross-fire  for  a  short  time  on  some  of  our 
advancing  columns,  but  the  well-directed  fire  of  some  of 
our  batteries  soon  put  a  stop  to  such  work.  About  dusk 
the  general  headquarters  were  removed  a  mile  nearer  to 
the  front.  Shortly  before  the  close  of  the  day's  fighting, 
Generals  GRANT  and  MEADE,  occompanied  by  their  staffs, 
rode  to  the  front  and  took  a  position  affording  a  fine  view 
of  the  operations  in  front. 

Late  in  the  day  a  line  of  Rebel  intrenchmeuts  were 
assaulted  by  one  of  our  divisions,  and  carried,  after  a 
bloody  resistance.  Our  men  were  compelled  to  crawl 
over  these  intrenchments  on  their  hands  and  knees,  and 
precipitate  themselves  on  the  other  side.  Late  in  the 
afternoon,  a  heavy  body  of  Rebels  made  an  onslaught  on 
UPTON'S  Brigade,  of  the  Sixth  Corps,  and  got  for  a  brief 
period  to  the  rear  of  our  lines.  It  did  not  take  them  long 
to  find  out  that  they  were  caught  in  a  trap,  for  our  lines 
at  once  closed  in  on  them,  and  the  whole  party,  about 
two  thousand  in  number,  were  captured,  including  several 
pieces  of  artillery. 

A  piece  of  strategy  of  General  LEE  was  displayed 
during  the  day,  which,  if  it  had  been  carried  into  success 
ful  effect,  would  have  materially  deranged  the  plans  of 
General  GRANT.  He  had  been  massing  troops  in  front  of 
our  centre,  for  the  purpose  of  breaking  our  line  of  battle 
at  that  point,  and  as  a  blind,  had  sent  two  brigades  of 
infantry  to  make  a  demonstration  on  our  right,  in  order  to 
draw  the  attention  of  General  GRANT  to  that  point.  It 
so  happened  that  both  rival  Generals  had  conceived  the 
same  idea  at  the  same  time,  for  both  were  strengthening 
theii  centres  for  an  assault. 

General  LEE,  when  he  commenced  his  movement  on  our 
centre,  found  to  his  surprise  that  the  dodge  of  making  a 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         191 

feint  on  our  right  did  not  work,  for  no  troops  had  been 
sent  to  counteract  the  flank  movement,  and  LEE  found 
such  force  directly  in  front  of  him  that  the  only  result  of 
the  movement  was  a  most  desperate  attempt  on  the  part 
of  either  side  to  break  the  line  of  the  other. 

The  losses  of  both  armies  in  this  day's  engagement 
were  very  heavy.  Many  thousand  men  were  killed  and 
wounded  and  a  large  number  of  officers  were  placed 
hors  du  combat.  The  fighting  was  of  an  extraordinary 
nature,  as  indeed  it  had  been  during  the  series  of  battles 
fought  since  crossing  the  Rapidan.  The  men  felt  that  it 
eclipsed  all  the  engagements  on  the  Peninsula  in  1862, 
and  they  realized  that  at  last  there  was  a  man  at  the  head 
of  our  armies  who  was  in  earnest  in  his  efforts  to  put 
down  the  rebellion  by  force  of  arms. 

WEDNESDAY'S    OPERATIONS.— SECOND    DAY'S 
BATTLE    AT    SPOTTSYLVANIA. 

On  Wednesday  morning,  May  llth,  the  fighting  was 
again  renewed,  and  continued  with  varied  success  until 
about  eleven  o'clock,  our  line  being  somewhat  advanced. 
At  that  hour  a  flag  of  truce  was  sent  in  by  General  LEE, 
who  asked  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities  for  forty-eight 
hours  that  he  might  bury  his  dead.  General  GRANT 
replied  that  he  had  not  time  to  bury  his  own  dead,  and 
would  advance  immediately,  and  some  parts  of  our  line 
were,  therefore,  pushed  forward.  The  woods  were  shelled, 
but  no  response  was  met  from  where  the  enemy's  centre 
had  been  a  few  hours  before.  The  prisoners  captured  on 
Tuesday  and  Wednesday  numbered  over  four  thousand, 
and  the  rebel  dead  and  wounded  were  found  covering 
almost  every  foot  of  ground  wherever  our  troops  surged 
forward  and  the  rebels  gave  way.  The  slaughter  amongst 
our  troops  was  terrific,  but  not  near  so  great  as  that  of  the 
enemy,  and  but  few  captures  were  made  by  the  latter. 


192         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

The  same  morning,  Lieutenant-General  GRANT  tele 
graphed  as  follows  to  Secretary  STANTON  : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  IN  THE  FIELD.     May  11,  1864.  8  A.  M. 

"  We  have  now  ended  the  sixth  day  of  very  heavy  fighting. 
The  result,  to  this  time,  is  much  in  our  favor. 

"  Our  losses  have  been  heavy  as  well  as  those  of  the  enemy. 
I  think  the  loss  of  the  enemy  must  be  greater. 

"  We  have  taken  over  five  thousand  prisoners  by  battle,  whilst 
he  has  taken  from  us  but  few,  except  stragglers. 

"  '  I    PROPOSE    TO    FIGHT    IT    OUT  ON    THIS    LINE    IF    IT    TAKES    ALL 

SUMMER.'  "  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"Lieutenant-  General  Commanding, 

"the  Armies  of  the  United  States." 

THURSDAY'S  BATTLE.— HANCOCK'S  SPLENDID 
VICTORY. 

Thursday,  May  12th,  was  destined  to  witness  one  of  the 
most  complete  triumphs  ever  vouchsafed  our  arms.  The 
Lieutenant-General  had  ordered  General  HANCOCK,  in 
whose  gallantry,  heroism,  and  ability,  he  had  unbounded 
confidence,  to  move  during  the  night  quietly  toward  the 
line  of  intrenchments  held  by  E WELL'S  Corps,  who  were 
in  his  front.  Slowly  and  surely  his  men  crept  forward, 
and  the  dawn  of  day  found  them  close  upon  the  sleeping 
and  unsuspecting  Rebels.  At  the  proper  moment  the 
order  was  given  to  charge,  when,  with  a  yell  the  devoted 
band  of  heroes  sprang  forward,  and  ere  the  Rebels  were 
aware  of  the  proximity  of  their  opponents,  and  before 
they  had  time  to  recover  from  the  surprise  of  the  attack, 
HANCOCK'S  men  were  leaping  over  their  intrenchments  and 
using  the  butt  end  of  their  muskets,  in  all  directions,  on 
the  devoted  heads  of  the  Rebels.  The  firing  amounted  to 
little  or  nothing;  there  was  no  time  or  necessity  for  such 
work.  The  shelter  tents  of  the  enemy,  erected  near  their 
Ine  of  intrenchments,  were  entered  by  our  troops  before 
tLe  Rebels  had  time  to  escape  from  them  ;  they  were  sur 
rounded,  cornered,  hemmed  in  and  fairly  dumbfounded, 
and  on  the  command  being  given  to  surrender,  they  at 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.        193 

once  dropped  their  arms  and  became  passive,  resistless 
prisoners  of  war.  .  The  artillery  had  not  time  to  limber  up 
and  get  away  or  fire  a  single  volley  before  our  dashing 
troops  were  among  them.  Even  their  General,  whose 
quarters  were  somewhat  in  the  rear,  did  not  escape,  and 
he,  together  with  the  greater  portion  of  his  command, 
became  subservient  to  the  orders  and  commands  of  the 
gallant  HANCOCK. 

The  results  of  the  morning's  surprise  were,  that  between 
thirty  and  forty  pieces  of  artillery  were  taken,  all  of  which 
were  successfully  brought  within  our  lines.  General  E. 
JOHNSON,  who  commanded  the  surprised  and  captured 
Rebel  division,  was  taken  to  General  GRANT'S  headquarters 
about  seven  o'clock,  A.  M.  He  was  treated  with  becoming 
courtesy  and  entered  freely  into  conversation  with  Gen 
erals  GRANT,  MEADE,  and  other  officers.  Information 
was  imparted  by  him  to  some  of  our  Generals  regarding 
the  condition  of  different  Generals  in  the  Rebel  service, 
with  whom  some  of  our  own  were  class-mates  at  West 
Point. 

At  nine  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the  artillery  firing  on  the 
right  of  HANCOCK'S  Corps  was  tremendous.  In  addition 
to  the  brilliant  night  advance  mentioned,  which  culminated 
so  successfully,  the  whole  line  of  HANCOCK'S  Corps  ad 
vanced  during  the  morning,  and  although  ground  was 
gained  inch  by  inch,  the  Rebels  contesting  every  point 
with  great  determination,  still  we  advanced,  and  in  the 
face  of  such  desperate  resistance  every  foot  of  ground 
gained  was  a  triumphant  success.  Before  noon,  the  whole 
line  was  actively  engaged  in  the  fierce  and  bloody  strife. 
All  the  morning  it  rained  in  torrents,  and  the  terrible 
nature  of  the  contest  in  the  front,  the  uncertainty  as  to  the 
issue,  the  tired  condition  of  the  troops  after  seven  days 
hard  fighting,  the  drenching  rain,  the  incessant  volleys  of 
musketry  and  roar  of  cannon,  the  anxiety  depicted  upon 


194         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

every  countenance  at  headquarters,  all  combined  to  make 
the  time  a  trying  one. 

An  incident  occurred  during  the  morning  that  illustrates 
the  coolness  and  self-possession  of  the  Cominander-in- 
Chief  of  the  Armies  of  the  United  States.  While  the 
heaviest  artillery  firing  was  in  progress,  General  GRANT 
was  standing,  in  company  with  General  MEADE,  near  a 
fire,  talking  and  endeavoring  to  keep  themselves  dry,  when 
a  Rebel  shell  struck  within  a  few  feet  of  the  twain.  A 
disposition  to  move  was  manifested  on  the  part  of  a 
number  of  officers  standing  around,  when  General  GRANT, 
looking  slowly  around  and  fixing  his  eye  on  the  spot 
where  the  shell  struck,  asked  at  once  for  a  pocket  com 
pass,  which,  being  furnished,  he  examined  the  course  of 
the  shell,  found  out  the  location  of  the  battery,  and  it  was 
not  long  before  shells  were  thick  among  the  men  working 
said  battery. 

Perhaps  we  could  not  epitomize  the  activity  of  our 
armies  during  these  eventful  days  better  than  by  inserting 
here  the  official  despatches  of  Secretary  STANTON  to 
Generals  Dix  and  CADWALADER,  all  appearing  on  the 
same  day,  May  14,  1864.  They  reveal  the  magnitude  of 
GRANT'S  combinations,  and  show  how  well  they  were 
being  executed  by  his  Generals. 

FIRST  BULLETIN  FROM  SECRETARY  OF  WAR. 
HEADQUARTERS,   PHILADELPHIA,    May  14,  6   P.  M. — 
The  following  despatch  has  just  been  received  from  the 
Secretary  of  War : 

"  To  MAJOR-GENERAL  CADWALADER  :  —  WASHINGTON,  May 
14th,  4  P.  M. — Despatches  from  General  GRANT,  dated  yesterday 
evening  at  six  o'clock,  have  reached  this  Department.  The 
advance  of  HANCOCK  yesterday  developed  that  the  enemy  had 
fallen  back  four  miles,  where  they  remained  in  position.  There 
was  no  engagement  yesterday.  We  have  no  account  of  any 
general  officers  being  killed  in  the  battle  of  the  preceding  day. 
Colonel  CARROLL  was  severely  wounded. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         195 

"A  despatch  has  just  been  received  from  General  SHERMAN* 
dated  near  Resaca,  May  14.  It  states  that,  by  the  flank  move" 
ment  on  Resaca,  JOHNSTON  had  been  forced  to  evacuate  Dalton' 
and  our  forces  were  in  his  rear  and  flank.  The  weather  was  fine, 
and  the  troops  in  fine  order,  all  working  well,  and  as  fast  as 
possible. 

"  No  intelligence  has  been  received  from  General  Butler. 
Guerillas  have  broken  the  telegraph  lines  between  Williamsburg 
and  Old  Jamestown.  This  is  believed  to  be  the  reason  why  no 
report  has  been  received  from  him. 

"  Despatches  from  General  SIGEL,  report  him  to  be  at  "Wood 
stock.  The  rumor  that  he  had  broken  the  railroad  between 
Lynchburg  and  Charlottesville  is  not  true. 

"  Our  wounded  are  coming  in  from  Belle  Plain  as  fast  as  the 
transports  can  bring  them. 

"  Grant's  army  is  well  supplied. 

"  EDWARD  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War." 

SECOND  BULLETIN.— GENERAL  MEADE'S  AD 
DRESS  TO  THE  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC. 

WASHINGTON,  May  14. — Despatches,  dated  Headquar 
ters  Army  of  the  Potomac,  May  13th,  12  M.,  have  been 
received.  General  MEADE  has  issued  the  following  con 
gratulatory  address  to  his  troops  : — 

"HEADQUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  POTOMAC,  May  13th,  1864. — 
Soldiers : — The  moment  has  arrived  when  your  commanding 
general  feels  authorized  to  address  you  in  terms  of  congratula 
tion. 

"  For  eight  days  and  nights,  almost  without  intermission,  in 
rain  and  sunshine,  you  have  been  gallantly  fighting  a  desperate 
foe,  in  positions  naturally  strong,  and  rendered  doubly  so  by  in- 
treuchments. 

"  You  have  compelled  him  to  abandon  his  fortifications  on  the 
Rapidan,  to  retire  and  attempt  to  stop  your  onward  progress, 
and  now  he  has  abandoned  the  last  intrenched  position  so  tena 
ciously  held,  suffering  a  loss  in  all  of  eighteen  guns,  twenty-two 
colors,  and  eight  thousand  prisoners,  including  two  general 
officers. 

"Your  heroic  deeds  and  noble  endurance  of  fatigue  and  priva 
tions  will  ever  be  memorable.  Let  us  return  thanks  to  God  for 
the  mercy  thus  shown  us,  and  ask  earnestly  for  its  continuation. 

"  Soldiers  !  your  work  is  not  yet  over.  The  enemy  must  be 
pursued,  and,  if  possible,  overcome.  The  courage  and  fortitude 
you  have  displayed  renders  your  Commanding  General  confident 
your  future  efforts  will  result  in  success. 


196        LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

"  While  we  mourn  ihe  loss  of  many  gallant  comrades,  let  us 
remember  the  enemy  must  have  suffered  equal,  if  not  greater 
losses. 

"  We  shall  soon  receive  reinforcements,  which  he  gannot  ex 
pect.  Let  us  determine  to  continue  vigorously  the  work  so  well 
begun,  and  under  God's  blessing  in  a  short  time  the  object  of 
our  labors  will  be  accomplished. 

"  G-EOKGE  G.  MEADE,  Major- General  Commanding. 
"  Official— S.  WILLIAMS,  A.  A.  G. 
"  (Approved),  "  U.  S.  GRANT, 

"  Lieutenant- General  Commanding 

"  the  Armies  of  the  United  States.'' 


THIRD  BULLETIN.— DESPATCHES    FROM   GEN 
ERAL    BUTLER. 

WAR  DEPARTMENT,  Washington,  May  14th,  1864. 
MAJOR-GENERAL  Dix  :  The  following  telegrams  have 
just  reached  this  department  from  General  BUTLER. 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 

"  HALF-WAY  HOUSE,  May  14£h — 3  A.  M. 

"  To  HON.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War :  We  are 
still  before  the  base  of  the  enemy's  works  at  Drury  Bluff,  Fort 
Darling. 

"  The  enemy  are  still  here  in  force. 

"  General  GILLMORE,  by  a  flank  movement,  with  a  portion  of 
his  Corps  and  a  Brigade  of  the  Eighteenth  Corps,  assaulted  and 
took  the  enemy's  works  on  their  right  at  dusk  last  evening.  It 
was  gallantly  done. 

"  The  troops  behaved  finely. 

"  We  held  our  lines  during  the  night,  and  shall  move  this 
morning  again. 

(Signed)  "  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,'  Major- General." 

"  HEADQUARTERS,  HALF-WAY  HOUSE,  May  14lh — 10  A.  M. 
"To  HON.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War :  General 
SMITH  carried  the  enemy's  first  line  on  the  right,  this  morning,  at 
eight  o'clock.     The  loss  was  small. 

"  The  enemy  have  retired  into  three  square  redoubts,  upon 
which  we  are  now  bringing  our  artillery  to  bear  with  effect. 
"  (Signed) 

"  BENJ.  F.  BUTLER,  Major-General  Commanding" 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         197 

FOURTH  BULLETIN.  —  DESPATCHES  FROM 
MAJOR-GENERAL  SHERIDAN.— HIS  GREAT 
CAVALRY  RAID. 

"  WASHINGTON,  May  14£7i — Midnight. 

"  To  MAJOR-GENERAL  CADWALADER  :  An  official  despatch 
from  General  SHERIDAN,  dated  Bottom  Bridge,  via  Fortress 
Monroe,  May  13th,  states  that  on  the  ninth  instant  he  marched 
around  the  enemy's  right  flank,  and  on  the  evening  of  that  day 
reached  the  North  Anna  River  without  serious  opposition. 
During  that  night  he  destroyed  the  enemy's  depot  at  Beaver 
Dam,  three  large  trains  of  cars,  and  one  hundred  cars,  two  fine 
locomotives,  two  hundred  thousand  pounds  of  bacon,  and  other 
stores,  amounting  in  all  to  a  million  and  a  half  of  Rebel  rations  ; 
also,  the  telegraph  and  railroad  track  for  about  ten  miles,  em 
bracing  several  culverts,  and  recaptured  three  hundred  and 
seventy-eight  of  our  men,  including  two  Colonels,  one  Major, 
and  several  other  officers. 

"  On  the  morning  of  the  tenth  he  resumed  operations,  cross 
ing  the  South  Anna  at  Grand  Squirrel  Bridge,  and  went  into 
camp  about  daylight. 

"  On  the  eleventh  he  captured  Ashland  Station.  At  this  point 
he  destroyed  one  locomotive  and  a  train  of  cars,  an  engine- 
house,  and  two  or  three  government  buildings,  containing  a  large 
amount  of  stores.  He  also  destroyed  six  miles  of  railroad, 
embracing  six  culverts,  two  trestle  bridges,  and  the  telegraph 
wires.  At  about  seven  o'clock  A.  M.,  of  the  eleventh,  he  resumed 
the  march  on  Richmond.  He  found  the  rebel  STUART  with  his 
cavalry  concentrated  at  Yellow  Tavern,  and  immediately  attacked 
him.  After  an  obstinate  contest,  he  gained  possession  of  the 
Brockle  Turnpike,  capturing  two  pieces  of  artillery  and  driving 
the  enemy's  forces  back  toward  Ashland  and  across  the  north 
fork  of  the  Chickahominy — a  distance  of  four  miles.  At  the 
same  time  a  party  charged  down  the  Brock  road  and  captured 
the  first  line  of  the  enemy's  works  around  Richmond.  During 
the  night  he  marched  the  whole  of  his  command  between  the 
first  and  second  line  of  the  enemy's  works,  on  the  bluffs  over 
looking  the  line  of  the  Virginia  Central  Railroad  and  the 
Mechanicsville  turnpike.  After  demonstrating  against  the  works 
and  finding  them  very  strong,  he  gave  up  the  intention  of  as 
saulting,  and  determined  to  recross  the  Chickahominy  at  Meadow 
Bridge.  It  had  been  partially  destroyed  by  the  enemy,  but  was 
repaired  in  about  three  hours,  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire  from 
a  Rebel  battery.  General  MERRITT  made  the  crossing,  attacked 
the  enemy,  and  drove  him  off  handsomely,  the  pursuit  continuing 
as  far  as  Gaines's  Mill.  The  enemy,  observing  the  recrossing 
of  the  Chickahominy,  came  out  from  his  second  line  of  works. 
A  brigade  of  infantry  and  a  large  number  of  dismounted  cavalry 
attacked  the  divisions  of  Generals  GREGG  and  WILSON;  but, 


198        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

after  a  severe  contest,  were  repulsed  and  driven  behind  their 
works.  GREGG  and  WILSON'S  Division,  after  collecting  the 
wounded,  recrossed  the  Chickahominy  on  the  afternoon  of  the 
twelfth.  The  Corps  encamped  at  Walnut  Grove  and  Gaines's 
Mill. 

'"At  nine  o'clock  A.  M.,  of  the  thirteenth,  the  march  was  re 
sumed,  and  our  forces  encamped  at  Bottom  Bridge.  The  command 
is  in  fine  spirits.  The  loss  of  horses  will  not  exceed  one  hundred. 
All  the  wounded  were  brought  off  except  about  thirty  cases  of 
mortally  wounded,  and  these  were  well  cared  for  in  the  farm 
houses  of  the  country.  The  wounded  will  not  exceed  two  hun 
dred  and  fifty,  and  the  total  loss  not  over  three  hundred  and 
fifty.  The  Virginia  Central  Railroad  bridges  over  the  Chicka 
hominy,  and  other  trestle-bridges,  one  sixty  feet  in  length,  one 
thirty  feet,  and  one  twenty  feet,  and  the  railroad  for  a  long  dis 
tance  south  of  the  Chickahominy,  were  destroyed.  Great  praise 
is  given  the  division  commanders,  Generals  GREGG,  WILSON, 
and  MERRITT,  Generals  CUSTER  and  DAVIES,  and  Colonels  GREGG, 
DIVINE,  CHAPMAN,  MC!NTOSH  and  GIBBS,  brigade  commanders. 


All  the  officers  and  men  behaved  splendidly. 
"  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Se< 


cretary  of  War." 


FIFTH   BULLETIN.—  DEATH    OF    GENERAL 
J.  E.  B.  STUART. 

"  WASHINGTON,  May  15tfi—  12:30  A.  M. 

"  MAJOR-GENERAL  CADWALADER  :  In  a  despatch  this  moment 
received  from  Admiral  LEE,  he  reports  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Navy  that  the  Richmond  papers  of  yesterday  mention  the  death 
of  General  J.  E.  B.  STUART,  shot  in  battle.  This,  no  doubt, 
happened  in  the  battle  with  General  SHERIDAN. 

"  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War." 

SIXTH  BULLETIN.—  RETREAT  OF  LEE,  AND 
GENERAL  GRANT'S  PURSUIT. 


"  WASHINGTON,  May  15tfi—  8:50  A.  M. 

"To  MAJOR-GENERAL  CADWALADER:  An  official  despatch  from 
the  battle-field  at  Spottsylvania,  yesterday  morning,  at  6:30, 
states  that  during  the  preceding  night  (Friday)  a  movement  was 
made  by  the  Fifth  and  Sixth  Corps  to  our  left,  and  an  attack 
was  to  have  been  made  at  daylight,  but  no  sound  of  battle  had 
been  heard  from  that  quarter.  This  manoeuvre,  it  is  said,  if 
successful,  would  place  our  forces  in  LEE'S  rear,  and  compel  him 
to  retreat  towards  Lynchburg.  No  cannon  nor  any  sound  of 
battle  was  heard  yesterday  at  Belle  Plain  or  Fredericksburg, 
which  affords  ground  for  the  impression  that  LEE  had  retreated 
during  Friday  uight,  and  before  the  advance  of  the  Fifth  and 
Sixth  Corps.  Nothing  later  than  6:30  A.  M.  yesterday  has  been 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         199 

received  from  the  army  by  this  Department.  All  our  wounded 
that  had  reached  Belle  Plain  yesterday  evening  have  arrived 
here.  The  surgical  report  from  the  headquarters  of  the  army 
states  that  the  condition  of  the  supplies  is  satisfactory,  and  that 
the  wounded  are  doing  well.  The  Medical  Director  at  Belle 
Plain  reports  that  every  thing  at  that  point  is  satisfactory. 
The  surgical  arrangements  have  never  been  so  complete  as  now. 
General  SHERIDAN'S  command  had  reached  the  left  bank  of 
Turkey  Island  at  three  o'clock  yesterday  afternoon,  and  have 
formed  a  junction  with  the  forces  of  General  BUTLER. 

"EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War." 

SEVENTH  BULLETIN—THE  LATEST  NEWS 
FROM  THE  FRONT. 

"  WASHINGTON,  May  15th — Midnight. 

"To  MAJOR-GENERAL  OADWALADER  :  Despatches  from  Gen. 
GRANT  have  been  received  by  this  Department  down  to  seven 
o'clock  this  morning.  There  had  been  no  engagement  for  the 
last  two  days. 

"  Despatches  from  General  SHERMAN  down  to  eight  o'clock  last 
night,  state  that  his  forces  had  been  actively  engaged  during 
the  day  with  advantage  to  our  side,  but  no  decided  result. 

"  Nothing  has  been  heard  of  General  BUTLER'S  operations 
since  his  telegrams  of  last  night,  heretofore  published. 

"  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War." 

FRIDAY'S     BATTLE,    MAY    13TH.— BURNSIDE'S 
FIGHT  WITH  A.  P.  HILL. 

At  early  daylight  on  Friday  morning,  May  13th,  1864, 
the  engagement  commenced  by  an  advance  on  our  part 
and  lasted  for  six  hours,  the  battle  being  fought  with  an 
obstinacy  not  surpassed  during  the  campaign.  General 
BURNSIDE'S  command,  the  Ninth  Corps,  lay  across  the 
pike  leading  from  Fredericksburg  to  Spottsylvania  Court 
House,  at  a  distance  of  from  two  to  three  miles  from  the 
latter  place.  His  left  extended  a  short  distance  east  of 
the  road.  His  advance  was  made  simultaneously  with 
that  of  General  HANCOCK,  thus  making  a  beavy  concerted 
attack  upon  tbe  enemy's  right  wing,  which  covered  Spott 
sylvania  Court  House  on  the  north,  and  covered  also  the 
road  running  through  that  town,  which  formed  the  Rebel 


200        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

line  of  retreat.  The  success  of  General  HANCOCK  in 
driving  the  enemy  from  two  lines  of  breastworks,  and 
making  valuable  captures,  has  already  been  noticed. 
General  BURNSIDE  was  less  fortunate  in  his  part  of 
attack,  for  (although  he  moved  early)  he  found  the  enemy 
thoroughly  on  the  alert,  and  considerably  over  a  mile  in' 
front  of  their  main  line  of  breastworks. 

The  intervening  country  was  extremely  broken,  hilly  and 
densely  covered  with  timber,  chiefly  small  pines,  whose 
branches,  matting  together,  rendered  it  almost  impossible 
for  a  man  to  walk  erect  through  them.  Through  this 
wilderness,  difficult  to  penetrate  at  best,  the  Rebels  had 
dug  small  detached  rifle-pits  at  every  favorable  point, 
from  which  they  fired  with  deadly  effect  as  we  advanced ; 
but,  in  spite  of  their  advantages,  they  were  steadily 
pushed  back,  driven  from  their  advanced  earthworks,  and 
compelled  to  take  refuge  in  their  main  line  of  intrench- 
ments.  So  severe  had  been  the  fighting  in  the  woods,  the 
enemy  contesting  every  foot  of  ground  as  they  receded, 
that  it  was  not  deemed  advisable  to  attack  them  in  their 
fortifications,  and  accordingly  fighting  ceased  for  several 
hours.  But  in  the  afternoon,  several  batteries  of  artillery 
having  in  the  meantime  been  brought  up  and  placed  in 
position,  an  assault  was  ordered  in  accordance  with  in 
structions  from  headquarters  of  the  army,  and  about  three 
P.  M.  the  attack  was  renewed. 

The  line  of  battle  was  formed  with  POTTER'S  Second 
Division  on  the  right,  CRITTENDEN'S  First  Division  in  the 
centre,  and  WILCOX'S  Third  Division  on  the  left.  Our 
advance  met  with  a  warm  reception  from  the  enemy,  who 
had  also  been  preparing  for  an  attack  and  would  soon 
have  taken  the  initiative.  After  advancing  some  distance 
under  a  heavy  fire,  a  brigade  of  Rebels  who  had  previously 
been  placed  in  position,  opened  suddenly  on  the  left  flank 
of  General  WILCOX'S  Division,  composed  of  troops  of 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        201 

Colonel  HARTRANFT'S  Brigade.  Three  regiments  on  the 
left,  the  Seventeenth  Michigan,  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania, 
and  One-hundred-and-ninth  New  York,  were  thrown  into 
some  confusion,  being  attacked  in  front  and  on  flank  at  the 
same  moment.  A  flanking  brigade  of  Rebels  demanded 
their  surrender,  but  the  demand  was  not  acceded  to,  and 
an  extremely  sharp  hand-to-hand  conflict  ensued,  our  men 
bravely  holding  their  ground  for  a  time  and  gallantly  de 
fending  their  colors.  About  three  hundred  men  of  the 
Seventeenth  Michigan  and  Fifty-first  Pennsylvania  were, 
however,  ultimately  made  prisoners,  including  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  CHAS.  N.  SWIFT,  of  the  Seventeenth  Michigan. 
Colors  of  the  Seventeenth  Michigan  were  also  finally  cap 
tured.  After  making  a  gallant  stand,  these  three  regi 
ments  were  forced  to  fall  back,  but  the  Seventeenth  Mich 
igan,  or  rather  what  was  left  of  it,  had,  however,  to  bring 
off  the  field  more  than  their  own  number  as  prisoners,  in 
cluding  Colonel  BARBER,  of  the  Fifth  North  Carolina,  who 
was  in  command  of  the  brigade  on  their  flank.  The  re 
mainder  of  the  line  stood  firmly  at  the  point  where  the 
flank  attack  was  first  made,  and  on  the  right  a  New  Hamp 
shire  regiment  of  Colonel  GRIFFIN'S  Brigade,  POTTER'S 
Division,  actually  entered  the  enemy's  intrenchments,  but, 
being  unsupported  on  right  and  left,  they  were  compelled 
to  return. 

On  the  left,  the  enemy,  encouraged  by  the  repulse  of 'the 
three  regiments  already  spoken  of,  rushed  on  in  eager 
pursuit,  but  were  suddenly  checked  on  emerging  from  the 
woods  into  an  open  field  by  finding  themselves  literally 
mown  down  by  a  tempest  of  grape  and  canister  from  two 
or  three  batteries  planted  in  line  and  nearly  together  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  field.  They  retreated  in  confu 
sion,  leaving  their  dead  and  wounded  lying  in  heaps  upon 
the  ground  at  the  edge  of  the  woods.  The  portions  of  our 
line  which  had  given  way  was  then  brought  up,  and 


202        LIFE   OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

although  it  was  not  possible  to  resume  the  attack  on  the 
Rebel  fortifications  with  any  prospect  of  success,  we  held 
our  ground  up  to  the  furthest  point  attained,  and  gained 
the  advantage  of  a  considerably  better  position  than  that 
previously  occupied. 

The  losses  of  the  entire  corps  in  this  engagement,  were 
not  quite  three  thousand.  Colonel  HARTRANFT'S  Brigade 
lost  seven  hundred  and  fifty,  including  three  hundred 
prisoners,  and  the  loss  of  General  WILCOX'S  entire  Division 
is  stated  at  fifteen  hundred.  General  POTTER'S  Division 
lost  about  eight  hundred,  of  whom  six  hundred  were 
wounded.  The  loss  in  General  CRITTENDEN'S  Division 
was  probably  about  the  same.  The  conduct  of  our 
troops  throughout  this  battle  merited  the  highest  com 
mendation  ;  the  men  could  not  have  exhibited  greater 
firmness  or  more  determined  bravery. 

SATURDAY,  MAY  14th,  1864. 

Saturday  was  a  day  of  comparative  quiet.  For  the  eight 
days  previous,  both  armies  had  been  engaged  in  a  series 
of  battles  surpassing  any  ever  fought  either  in  ancient  or 
modern  times.  Scores  of  thousands  of  men  had  fallen, 
and  those  who  were  still  able  to  march  were  wearied  and 
exhausted  by  the  hardships  which  they  had  endured. 
But  while  the  army  rested,  General  GRANT'S  active  mind 
was  at  work,  and  his  keen  eye  was  upon  the  wary  antago 
nist  on  his  front.  During  the  day  LEE  changed  his  lines, 
which  compelled  a  corresponding  change  on  the  part  of 
our  forces.  Heavy  rains  rendered  the  roads  impassable, 
and  neither  army  could  move,  although  LEE  showed  some 
signs  of  attempting  a  retreat. 

Affairs  remained  thus  until  the  eighteenth,  when  Gen 
eral  GRANT  determined  to  make  an  attack  upon  LEE'S 
position.  Our  forces  had  been  massed  on  the  enemy's 
left  during  the  night  previous,  and  it  was  hoped  by  an 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        203 

early  assault,  that  his  left  might  be  broken,  and  his  left 
flank  turned,  and  success  was  more  reasonably  to  be  ex 
pected  as  the  attack  was  to  be  made  from  a  portion  of  the 
line  supposed  to  have  been  abandoned  by  us  in  our  move 
ment  towards  the  left.  Every  thing  having  been  put  in 
readiness  during  the  night,  the  assault  was  made  at  early 
dawn  as  intended.  The  Sixth  Corps,  General  WRIGHT,  on 
the  extreme  right,  the  Second  Corps  next,  and  further  on 
to  the  left,  a  portion  of  General  BURNSIDE'S  Corps.  Early 
as  the  assault  was  commenced,  the  enemy  was  found  to 
be  perfectly  wide  awake,  and  fully  prepared.  Their  ad 
vanced  line  was  readily  pushed  back,  and  our  troops  re 
took  the  rifle-pits  captured  in  the  assault  of  the  12th  inst., 
without  difficulty,  but  on  advancing  against  the  next  line 
of  intrenchments  they  soon  found  that  they  were  to  en 
counter  earnest  resistance. 

The  enemy  opened  fire  upon  us  from  a  number  of  bat 
teries,  pouring  into  our  ranks  a  destructive  storm  of 
canister.  Their  breastworks,  extremely  strong  and  elab 
orate  in  themselves,  were  defended  in  front  by  a  great 
depth  of  abattis,  through  which  our  men  would  have  to 
tear  their  way,  exposed  all  the  time  to  a  deadly  fire  from 
the  Rebels  in  their  pits.  Such  an  attempt  would  have 
cost  thousands  of  lives  within  a  very  few  minutes,  and  its 
impracticability  being  perceived,  our  troops  were  at  once 
withdrawn.  There  was  but  little  musketry,  and  our  chief 
loss  was  sustained  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  19th  of  May,  E WELL'S  Corps 
of  LEE'S  army  made  an  effort  to  turn  our  right,  but  were 
promptly  repulsed  and  severely  punished  by  the  Divisions 
commanded  by  Major-Generals  BIRNEY  and  TYLER. 

While  the  two  armies  were  apparently  inert,  General 
GRANT  was  having  his  thinned  columns  refilled  with  new 
and  fresh  men.  Within  a  few  days  it  was  estimated  that 
twenty-five  thousand  splended  troops  had  been  forwarded 

to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac. 
13 


204       LIFE    OF  GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT. 

GENERAL    GRANT   PLANKS  LEE. 

On  the  20th  of  May,  the  army  was  once  more  in  motion, 
the  commanding  general  intending  to  flank  LEE  out  of  his 
works  at  Spottsylvania  Court  House.  In  this  he  was  suc 
cessful,  and  the  rebels  began  their  retreat  toward  Richmond, 
falling  behind  the  North  Anna  river,  and  taking  up  a  strong 
position.  Our  army  followed  closely.  The  Fifth  and  Sixth 
Corps  marched  by  way  of  HARRIS'  store  to  Jericho  Ford, 
and  the  Fifth  Corps  succeeded  in  effecting  a  crossing  and 
getting  into  position  without  much  opposition.  Shortly 
after,  however,  they  were  violently  attacked  and  hand 
somely  repulsed  the  assault,  which  was  without  much 
loss  to  us.  We  captured  some  prisoners.  The  opposition 
made  by  LEE  was  not  so  great  as  was  anticipated,  and 
finding  himself  again  flanked,  he  fell  back  to  the  South 
Anna.  Here  the  enemy's  works  were  found  to  be  of  ex 
traordinary  strength  and  magnitude,  and  General  GRANT 
declining  to  make  an  assault  which  would  cost  so  much 
blood,  recrossed  the  North  Anna,  and  moved  his  army  off 
in  the  direction  of  Hanover  Junction,  thus  flanking  LEE'S 
position  on  the  South  Anna,  and  forcing  him  again  to 
evacuate  his  elaborately  constructed  fortifications. 

On  Friday  morning,  the  2Tth  of  May,  General  SHERIDAN, 
with  two  divisions  of  cavalry,  took  possession  of  Hanover 
Ferry  and  Hanovertown,  the  points  designated  for  cross 
ing  the  army  over  the  Famunkey  river.  By  the  29th  the 
whole  army  was  across,  and  in  position  three  miles  south 
of  the  river.  Thus  was  another  of  General  GRANT'S  bril 
liant  and  daring  mano3uvres  crowned  with  complete  suc 
cess.  On  Sunday,  the  29th,  his  army  was  encamped  in  a 
fertile  coifhtry,  within  fifteen  miles  of  Richmond.  By  this 
admirable  movement  he  not  only  turned  LEE'S  works  on 
the  Little  river  and  the  South  Anna,  and  avoided  the 
hazards  of  crossing  those  two  strongly  defended  rivers,  but 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        205 

made  himself  master  of  the  situation  with  regard  to  his 
new  base  of  supplies.  He  was  furthermore  left  entirely 
free  as  to  the  route  by  which  he  would  attack  Richmond, 
and  be  in  full  communication  and  co-operation  with  the 
column  under  General  BUTLER.  All  this  was  accom 
plished  within  twenty-four  days  from  the  day  when  he 
struck  tents  at  Culpepper  Court  House. 

What  enormous  strides  he  made  towards  the  heart  of 
the  rebellion  within  that  brief  period,  and  all  by  disembar 
rassing  his  movements  of  the  necessity  of  looking  back  to 
one  inflexible  line  of  communications  and  one  unchanging 
base  of  supplies.  This  was  his  simple  strategy,  though 
the  execution  of  it  was  as  brave  and  brilliant  as  its  con 
ception  was  bold  and  original.  It  was  this  same  strategy 
that  made  the  march  from  Bruinsburg  to  Vicksburg  one 
unbroken  series  of  victories.  In  that  march,  General 
GRANT  at  once  cut  himself  loose  from  his  base ;  but,  with 
the  forethought  of  a  great  general,  he  so  directed  his 
columns  as  to  open  another  at  Grand  Gulf  immediately 
after  his  first  encounter  with  the  enemy.  Moving  on  to 
ward  Raymond,  he  made  provision  for  still  another  by 
way  of  Warrenton,  just  below  Yicksburg.  But  all  the 
time  he  had  his  far-seeing  vision  fixed  upon  a  third 
at  the  Yazoo  river,  above  the  beleaguered  city,  and  that 
was  his  final  base  until  Yicksburg  fell.  Just  so  he  moved 
in  this  campaign,  and  the  successes  which  made  the  month 
of  May,  1863,  forever  illustrious  in  the  American  calendar, 
were  rivalled  in  glory  by  those  of  the  month  of  May,  1864. 

By  these  masterly  operations,  General  GRANT  moved  on 
regardless  of  his  rear.  He  left  nothing  there  for  the 
enemy  to  attack.  In  one  great  particular  he  had  no  im 
pediments.  His  columns,  if  not  literally  in  "  light  march 
ing  order,"  were  the  next  thing  to  it.  Hence  the  ease 
with  which  he  baffled  his  cunning  adversary,  and  rendered 


206        LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

all  his  elaborate  and  formidable  field  works  just  so  much 
labor  in  vain. 

Although  General  GRANT  was  always  prompt  to  "  move 
against  the  enemy's  works"  when  it  was  necessary,  he 
never  undertook  that  costly  operation  when  it  was  not. 
He  had  experience  of  the  relative  merits  of  the  two  modes 
of  proceeding  at  Yicksburg,  and  he  is  a  soldier  upon  whom 
experience  is  never  lost. 

It  was  remarked  that  his  movement  across  the  Pamun- 
key  made  him  master  of  the  situation.  This  was  no  idle 
repetition  of  a  favorite  phrase.  He  was  master  of  the 
Peninsula  without  having  uncovered  Washington  for  a 
single  hour,  and  without  having  created  the  necessity  of 
leaving  one-fourth  of  his  army  behind  for  the  defence  of 
that  city.  He  had  uncontrolled  choice  of  a  line  of  attack 
on  Richmond  on  every^side  but  one.  His  cavalry  had 
traversed  the  whole  country,  and  knew  all  the  roads  and 
all  the  topography.  He  had  communication  with  General 
BUTLER'S  force,  and  could  unite  the  two  armies  whenever 
the  occasion  demanded.  And  finally,  he  could  supply  his 
troops  by  the  Pamunkey  or  the  James  at  his  own  option. 
These  results  were  the  achievements  of  a  master  hand 
in  the  art  of  war. 

This  removal  of  the  seat  of  war  from  the  Orange  and 
Alexandria  Railroad  to  the  very  walls  of  Richmond,  com 
pleted  a  cycle  of  two  years  in  the  history  of  the  rebellion. 
Hanover,  White  House,  Cold  Harbor,  Shady  Grove  Church, 
are  names  with  which  we  were  familiar  on  the  31st  of 
May,  1862.  Then,  however,  every  stream,  every  swamp, 
every  line  of  rifle  pits,  brought  our  forces  to  a  halt,  until 
days  ran  into  weeks,  and  weeks  into  weary  months  of 
waiting.  But  now  the  great  column  moved  irresistibly 
on,  for  at  its  head  there  was  a  skilful  and  active  soldier,  a 
man  who  knew  no  such  word  as  halt  after  he  was  once  in 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT.         207 

motion,  and  who  was  appalled  by  no  obstructions,  and 
least  of  all  by  phantoms. 

And  so  closed  what  will  be  hereafter  called 

THE   GREAT    BATTLE   MONTH. 

The  great  movement  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  com 
menced  on  Tuesday  night,  May  3d,  1864,  when  the  Rapidan 
was  crosssed  without  serious  opposition.  The  telegraphic 
news  which  gave  us  the  first  intelligence  of  the  advance 
of  General  GRANT,  was  hailed  by  the  people  as  an  omen 
of  success,  and  from  that  time  down,  the  same  hopeful 
feeling  was  maintained,  while  the  faith  of  the  people  in 
General  GRANT  and  the  gallant  army  of  the  Potomac  was 
strengthened  and  moulded  into  a  firm  conviction  of  victory. 
From  the  very  first  movement  made  by  General  GRANT, 
he  was  successful  throughout,  all  of  which  was  due  to  his 
masterly  generalship  and  the  indomitable  courage  of  his 
army.  General  LEE  was  forced  to  fall  back  from  the 
strong  positions  which  he  held  in  front  of  our  army  during 
the  fall  and  winter,  and  this  was  the  first  step  in  the  grand 
tactics  of  General  GRANT,  which  subsequently  rendered  all 
the  rebel  field  fortifications  and  defences  of  no  avail.  The 
line  which  General  LEE  expected  General  GRANT  to  follow, 
the  latter,  by  the  most  consummate  skill,  avoided  ;  and  the 
rebels  had  not  only  to  endure  the  chagrin  of  all  their 
labors  and  preparations  going  for  nothing,  but  they  saw, 
at  the  same  time,  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  flanking  them 
at  every  important  position  of  their  expected  defence,  and 
getting  nearer  and  nearer  to  Richmond  by  every  move. 

But  it  was  not  only  in  Virginia  that  the  month  of  May 
witnessed  the  greatest  series  of  battles  of  a  month  re 
corded  in  history  within  the  period.  The  gallant  army 
under  General  SHERMAN,  in  the  Southwest,  was  alike  vic 
torious  from  Buzzard's  Roost  Mountain,  Dalton,  and 
Resaca  to  Dallas,  and  it  seemed  highly  probable  that 


208        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

General  SHERMAN  would  reach  Atlanta,  Ga.,  about  the 
same  time  that  General  GRANT  would  reach  Richmond. 
Every  thing  looked  favorable.  Our  army  was  in  the  best 
of  spirits,  while  LEE'S  was  despondent  and  whipped,  and 
in  no  condition  apparently  to  check  our  onward  advance. 
Yet  the  events  of 

JUNE,  1864, 

Proved  their  tenacity  and  courage  to  be  still  unsubdued. 
The  bloody  battles  around  Cold  Harbor  were  fought,  in 
which  many  thousand  men  were  killed  and  wounded  on 
both  sides.  On  the  evening  of  the  4th  of  June,  Lieutenant 
General  GRANT  telegraphed  to  the  War  Department  "that 
about  seven,  P.  M.,  of  Friday,  June  3d,  the  enemy  suddenly 
attacked  SMITH'S  Brigade  of  GIBBONS'  Division.  The 
battle  lasted  with  great  fury  for  half  an  hour,  and  the 
attack  was  unwaveringly  repulsed.  At  six,  P.  M.,  WIL 
SON,  with  his  cavalry,  fell  upon  the  rear  of  a  brigade  of 
HETH'S  Division,  which  LEE  had  ordered  around  to  his 
left,  apparently  with  the  intention  of  enveloping  BURNSIDE. 
After  a  sharp  but  short  conflict,  WILSON  drove  them  from 
their  rifle  pits  in  confusion.  He  took  a  few  prisoners.  He 
had  previously  fought  with  and  routed  GORDON'S  Brigade 
of  rebel  cavalry.  During  these  fights  he  lost  several 
officers,  among  them  Colonel  PRESTON,  First  Vermont 
Cavalry,  killed ;  Colonel  BENJAMIN,  Eighth  New  York 
Cavalry,  seriously  wounded.  General  STANNARD,  serving 
in  the  Eighteenth  Corps,  was  also  severely  wounded. 
Our  entire  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  during 
the  three  days  operations  around  Cold  Harbor  did 
not  exceed,  according  to  the  Adjutant-General's  Report, 
seven  thousand,  five  hundred.  This  morning,  (Saturday, 
June  4th,)  the  enemy's  left  wing,  in  front  of  BURNSIDE, 
was  found  to  have  been  drawn  in  during  the  night." 

Rendered   desperate   by   the   narrowing   circle    which 
GRANT  was  gradually  drawing   around  them,  the  rebels 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT.        209 

made  repeated  attacks  upon  our  entrenchments,  but  in 
every  instance  they  met  with  disastrous  repulse.  Mean 
while  General  GRANT  was  making  arrangements  for  new 
dispositions,  and  his  movements  bewildered  and  annoyed 
the  enemy.  His  lines  were  extended  to  the  Chickahominy, 
and  White  House  was  made  the  base  of  supplies  for  his 
army. 

A   NEW   MOVEMENT. 

On  the  night  of  the  12th  of  June,  General  GRANT  with 
drew  his  forces  from  LEE'S  front  at  Cold  Harbor  and  Games' 
Mills.  General  WM.  F.  SMITH'S  Corps,  the  Eighteenth, 
marched  to  the  White  House,  embarked  on  transports  and 
went  down  the  Pamunkey  and  York  rivers,  and  up  the 
James.  The  Sixth  and  Ninth  Corps,  under  Major- Generals 
WRIGHT  and  BURNSIDE,  crossed  the  Chickahominy  at 
Jones'  Bridge,  while  HANCOCK'S  Second  and  WARREN'S 
Fifth  Corps  crossed  at  Long  Bridge,  whence  they  marched 
to  the  James  river,  crossing  it  at  Powhatan  Point.  The 
great  movement  was  carried  out  without  a  single  failure, 
and  without  notice  to  the  enemy,  who  waked  up  on  the 
morning  of  June  13th,  to  find  that  the  army  which  menaced 
them  on  the  previous  night  had  disappeared,  and  was 
already  beyond  the  hope  of  successful  pursuit. 

A  flank  march  is  the  most  perilous  of  military  operations. 
General  MCCLELLAN  executed  his  celebrated  "change  of 
base  "  harassed  at  every  step,  fighting  by  day  and  retreat 
ing  by  night,  so  that  when  his  army  upon  the  seventh  day 
reached  Harrison's  Landing,  fifteen  thousand  men  who  had 
crossed  the  Chickahominy  were  no  longer  in  the  ranks. 
Their  corpses  lay  thick  upon  the  route ;  their  bleed ir.g 
bodies  were  frequently  left  to  the  tender  mercies  of  the 
enemy,  and  six  thousand  of  them  were  captured  and  con 
signed  to  the  horrors  of  a  living  death  at  Libby  and  Belle 
Isle.  But  to  this  startling  movement  of  General  GRANT, 


210        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

the  military  critic  cannot  refuse  the  tribute  of  high  admi 
ration  at  the  consummate  skill  which  effected  so  great  a 
change  with  scarcely  the  loss  of  a  man. 

The  great  features  of  the  movement  were  simply  these : 
For  some  days  previous  the  attention  of  the  rebels  was  di 
rected  towards  the  means  of  crossing  the  Chickahominy  at 
Meadow  bridge,  New  bridge,  Bottoms  bridge  and  White 
Oak  bridge.  Strong  demonstrations  were  made  at  those 
points,  and  attempts  made  to  carry  them.  LEE  applied 
himself  busily  to  the  strengthening  of  those  bridges  by 
defensive  works.  Efforts  to  carry  them  would  have  un 
doubtedly  caused  a  great  loss  of  life.  But  it  was  not 
General  GRANT'S  intention  to  force  a  passage  there.  Hence, 
whilst  LEE  was  amused  by  his  feints,  he  was  preparing  a 
decisive  movement  in  another  direction.  When  all  was 
ready,  Major-General  SMITH,  with  the  Eighteenth  Army 
corps,  which  had  come  to  White  House  from  Bermuda 
Hundred  upon  transports,  moved  back  to  the  former  point, 
and  in  the  same  transports  returned  to  the  James  river. 
General  WRIGHT  and  General  BURNSIDE  moved  with  the 
army  corps  under  their  respective  commands  to  Jones' 
bridge,  about  ten  miles  southeast  of  Bottoms  bridge, 
where  they  crossed  without  hindrance  and  then  marched 
due  south  to  Charles  City  Court  House  ;  HANCOCK  and 
WARREN  crossed  the  Chickahominy  at  Long  bridge,  about 
six  miles  southwest  of  Bottoms  bridge.  They  marched  by 
a  road  nearly  parallel  with  that  leading  to  Charles  City 
Court  House  from  Jones'  bridge,  and  on  the  average  not 
more  than  four  miles  and  a  half  distant.  They  came  out 
upon  the  James  at  Wilcox's  wharf,  which  is  about  five  miles 
east  of  Harrison's  Landing.  The  James  was  crossed  at 
Powhatan  Point,  which  was  formerly  Windmill  Point,  now 
occupied  by  Fort  Powhatan.  At  the  place  of  landing  the 
array  was  not  more  than  ten  miles  from  General  BUTLER'S 
entrenchments  at  Bermuda  Landing.  Having  left  Cold 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         211 

Harbor  on  Sunday  night,  the  whole  movement  was  effected 
and  the  troops  in  position  for  crossing  the  James  river  in 
about  thirty  hours.  In  thirty-six  hours  the  whole  army 
had  crossed  to  the  south  side  of  the  James  river,  and  by 
that  time  General  SMITH'S  transports  were  up  to  Bermuda 
Hundred  and  his  soldiers  had  joined  their  old  comrades. 

ATTACK    ON   PETERSBURG. 

General  GRANT  moves  rapidly,  and  never  was  known 
to  let  an  opportunity  pass  without  striving  to  embrace  its 
advantages.  On  Wednesday,  June  15th,  General  SMITH 
was  ordered  to  attack  and  carry  the  works  defending 
Petersburg.  It  was  believed  there  were  but  few  troops 
in  the  forts,  and  the  object  was  to  take  the  city  before  LEE 
could  send  it  assistance.  The  assault  was  promptly  and 
gallantly  made,  and  the  first  line  was  taken,  together  with 
six^en  cannon  and  several  hundred  prisoners.  The  enemy, 
however,  hastily  withdrew  a  large  force  from  General  BUT 
LER'S  front,  and  threw  them  into  the  rear  line  of  fortifica 
tions,  and  all  the  afternoon  and  evening  LEE  was  hurry 
ing  troops  from  Richmond  by  rail  to  the  Cockade  City. 
During  Thursday  and  Friday  the  Second  and  Ninth  Corps 
captured  a  number  of  redoubts,  and  the  investing  lines 
were  drawn  closer  about  the  beleaguered  place. 

Several  assaults  were  delivered  against  the  enemy's 
works  which  were  unsuccessful,  and  during  the  week  our 
losses  were  heavy,  amounting  to  several  thousand  men  in 
killed  and  wounded.  The  following  was  the  position  of 
the  united  armies  of  MEADE  and  BUTLER,  which  enveloped 
Petersburg  in  about  the  quadrant  of  a  circle;  BUTLER'S 
force  (the  Tenth  and  Eighteenth  Army  Corps)  being  placed 
north  of  the  Appomattox,  facing  Petersburg  on  the  east 
ern  side,  and  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  fronting  it  from  the 
south,  in  a  line  stretching  from  the  Appomattox  across  the 


212         LIFE   OF  GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Petersburg  and  Suffolk  railroad,  where  our  left  rested  on 
Poo  creek. 

It  soon  became  apparent  that  Petersburg  would  require 
a  siege,  and  the  Lieutenant-General,  to  make  its  invest 
ment  as  complete  as  possible,  set  his  cavalry  to  work. 
General  WILSON,  with  six  thousand  picked  troopers,  left 
Prince  George  Court  House,  June  22d,  to  operate  on  the 
railroad  communications  south  of  Petersburg  and  Rich 
mond.  The  Weldon  railroad  was  struck  at  Reams' 
Station,  the  South  Side  Road  at  Ford's  Station,  and 
some  sixty  miles  of  track,  together  with  bridges,  depots, 
locomotives,  and  cars,  were  destroyed.  The  Sixth  Corps, 
General  WRIGHT,  co-operated  to  a  certain  extent  by 
moving  on  the  Weldon  road  below  Petersburg,  and 
destroying  five  miles  of  the  track.  Heavy  fighting  fre 
quently  occurred  in  front  of  Petersburg  during  the  re 
mainder  of  the  month  of  June. 

In  July,  the  enemy,  finding  it  impossible  to  shake  Idfcse 
the  strong  hand  with  which  GRANT  had  grappled  the 
throat  of  the  Rebellion  at  Richmond,  resolved  to  try 
another  plan,  the  invasion  of  Maryland,  thereby  threaten 
ing  Washington,  and  trusting  in  this  to  induce  GRANT  to 
withdraw  his  army  from  the  James  to  the  defence  of  the 
National  Capital.  But  the  ruse  was  fruitless.  General 
GRANT  remained  confronting  LEE,  and  did  not  weaken  his 
army  to  any  material  extent.  He  had  troops  enough  and 
to  spare,  and  sending  the  Sixth  Corps,  under  General 
WRIGHT,  to  the  assistance  of  Major-General  LEW. 
WALLACE,  commanding  the  Middle  Department,  he  con 
tented  himself  with  the  situation,  satisfied  that  his  own 
plans  would  thwart  those  of  his  crafty  but  worried 
antagonist.  His  theories  were  correct.  BRECKTNRIDGE 
was  defeated  before  the  walls  of  Washington,  and  beat  a 
hasty  retreat  into  Virginia,  leaving  over  five  hundred  of 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.       213 

bis  men   killed   and  wounded   under   the   guns  of  Fort 
Stevens. 

Little  was  done  before  Petersburg  until  the  close  of  July, 
but  in  the  Shenandoah  valley  there  was  more  or  less  fighting. 

BTJRNSIDE'S  MINE    EXPLODED. 

On  the  30th  of  July,  1864,  BURNSIDE'S  mine  was  ex 
ploded  under  one  of  the  largest  of  the  rebel  forts  at 
Petersburg,  blowing  up  a  South  Carolina  regiment,  and 
wrecking  the  interior  of  the  work.  Within  a  few  minutes 
after  the  explosion,  the  two  brigades  of  the  First  Division 
~-the  second,  Colonel  MARSHALL,  of  the  Fourteenth  New 
York  Heavy  Artillery,  commanding,  in  the  lead,  followed 
by  the  first,  under  command  of  Brigadier-General  BART- 
LETT,  of  Massachusetts — jumped  over  the  breastworks 
forming  our  main  line,  and  advanced  at  a  charging  pace. 
They  were  hardly  in  motion  when  they  received  a  volley 
from  the  enemy,  who,  although  surprised  by  the  explosion, 
were  evidently  prepared  against  an  attack,  owing  to  the 
noise  inevitably  made  by  the  concentration  of  troops,  and 
the  movements  of  trains  and  artillery,  &c.,  for  hours,  close 
to  their  front. 

The  explosion,  although  it  had  destroyed  the  rebel 
battery,  had  not  affected  the  abattis  and  other  obstructions 
in  the  front,  and  the  attacking  column  experienced  con 
siderable  trouble  in  working  their  way  over  them.  Part 
of  our  lines  passed  into  the  fort,  and  part  to  the  right  of 
it,  upon  curtain-like  entrenchments  connecting  the  right 
of  the  battery  with  the  line  of  breastworks  beyond  it. 
The  interior  of  the  exploded  work  was  a  confused  mass 
oi  earth,  broken  guns,  camp  equipage,  and  human  bodies. 
It  had  been  occupied  by  a  battery  of  artillery,  manning 
six  rifled  field  pieces,  and  part  of  the  Eighteenth  and 
Twenty-third  South  Carolina  regiments.  Over  two  hun 
dred  men  had  gone  up  with  the  work,  and  were  buried 


214:         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

among  the  ruins.  The  rifle-pits  and  entrenchments  to  the 
right  of  the  work  were  occupied  by  several  hundred  of  the 
enemy,  two  hundred  and  fifty  of  whom  were  taken 
prisoners  and  sent  to  the  rear. 

As  soon  as  the  First  Division  had  moved,  the  Second 
and  Third  followed  it  to  the  right  and  left,  and  closed  up 
with  it  at  the  work.  The  enemy,  meanwhile,  had  opened 
a  vigorous  musketry  and  artillery  fire  from  their  entrench 
ments,  that  enclosed  the  work  in  the  form  of  an  angle, 
giving  them  an  enfilading  fire.  Several  attempts  were 
made  by  our  troops  to  continue  the  advance  toward 
Cemetery  Hill,  but  they  failed  under  the  severity  of  the 
fire. 

About  six  o'clock,  the  Colored  Division,  General  FER- 
RERO  commanding,  was  ordered  to  take  up  the  attack,  and 
push  to  the  right  of  the  other  divisions  for  Cemetery  Hill, 
distant  four  hundred  yards  beyond.  It  advanced  in  line 
with  great  steadiness,  until  it  came  up  in  line  with 
the  other  divisions,  and  received  a  severe  fire,  when 
the  column  turned  to  the  left,  and  the  mass  of  it  became 
mixed  up  with  troops  in  and  about  the  work.  About  one 
thousand  of  the  colored  troops  rushed  over  the  parapet 
into  the  interior  of  the  work,  which  the  explosion  had 
caused  to  make  a  pit-like  form,  and  was  already  crowded 
to  overflowing  with  officers  and  men.  The  negroes  tum 
bled  headlong  down  the  sloping  sides,  when  a  scene  of  in 
extricable  confusion  ensued.  Efforts  were  made  by  officers 
to  get  them  out  of  the  work  and  form  outside,  but  they 
failed,  and  the  strangely  mingled  mass  of  human  beings 
continued  to  crowd  the  pit,  the  upper  portion  of  which 
was  about  one  hundred  feet  in  diameter. 

When  the  attack  commenced,  all  our  heavy  and  light 
batteries  in  position,  over  one  hundred  pieces  in  all, 
opened  and  kept  up  a  tremendous  fire,  mostly  with  shell, 
upon  the  enemy's  line,  but,  nevertheless,  the  Rebel  fire  in- 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.          215 

creased  in  severity.  The  enemy  could  be  plainly  seen 
from  our  main  line,  moving  his  troops  from  right  and  left 
to  the  point  of  attack,  and  it  was  evident  that  they  were 
massing  their  whole  available  force  to  meet  the  attack. 
Between  seven  and  nine  o'clock,  three  attempts  were  made 
by  our  troops  to  charge,  but  each  of  them  was  checked 
by  the  enemy's  fire.  Squads  of  men  during  that  time 
were  continually  trying  to  make  their  way  back  to  our 
main  line,  but  the  intervening  space — open  ground,  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  width — was  so  thoroughly 
swept  by  the  enemy's  fire,  that  many  were  shot  down  in 
the  attempt  to  escape. 

About  nine  o'clock  the  fire  from  our  batteries  slackened, 
and  soon  afterward  the  enemy  rushed  out  of  his  entrench 
ments  and  charged  upon  the  position  held  by  our  troops. 
They  were  at  first  checked,  but  finally  succeeded  in  gam 
ing  most  of  the  ground  between  the  work  and  their  line, 
and  came  within  a  short  distance  of  our  troops.  Large 
numbers  of  the  latter  attempted  to  get  back  to  our  lines 
from  the  work  and  the  rifle-pits  and  minor  intrenchments 
about  it.  Many  succeeded,  but  many  also  were  killed  and 
wounded. 

About  ten  o'clock  the  enemy  made  another  charge, 
when  a  great  swarm  of  men,  estimated  by  some  at  a 
thousand,  mostly  blacks,  broke  out  of  the  fort  and  at 
tempted  to  escape  to  our  lines.  Hundreds  of  them  never 
reached  it.  What  was  left  of  our  troops  in  the  work  now 
became  completely  hemmed  in,  the  Rebel  standards  being 
planted  close  to  the  parapet  west  of  the  work,  and  the 
Rebel  fire  causing  retreat  impracticable.  They  continued 
in  that  predicament  for  nearly  an  hour,  when  an  order 
was  issued  directing  the  whole  army  to  fall  back  to  its 
original  position.  Whether  the  order  ever  reached  those 
still  outside  of  our  lines  is  not  definitely  known,  but  it  is 
certain  that  about  two  o'clock,  General  BARTLETT,  who  was 


216        LIFE    OF   GENEKAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

in  the  fort,  being  unable  to  move,  owing  to  the  breaking 
of  his  artificial  leg,  sent  in  a  note  by  a  private,  stating 
that,  being  out  of  ammunition,  he  and  those  with  him,  if 
not  speedily  relieved,  would  soon  have  to  surrender.  . 
Shortly  afterwards  the  Rebels  made  another  charge,  to 
which  the  party  surrendered. 

Our  losses  in  the  assault  and  inside  the  mined  fort  were 
over  two  thousand  killed,  wounded  and  missing ;  those  of  the 
enemy  were  about  twelve  hundred.  The  experiment  of 
General  BURNSIDE  proved  disastrous,  and  no  further 
attempt  was  made  for  the  time  against  the  rebel  lines.  It 
promised  success,  but  tardiness  in  obeying  orders  lost  us 
the  day. 

SHEEMAN    IN    THE    WEST. 

While  GRANT  was  directing,  personally,  operations  in 
Virginia,  his  chosen  Lieutenant,  WM.  TECUMSEH  SHER 
MAN,  was  faithfully  executing  his  plans  in  Northern 
Georgia.  In  a  series  of  splendid  battles  he  had  driven 
JOHNSTON  from  Dalton  to  Atlanta,  where  the  latter  was 
superseded  by  HOOD,  "  a  fighting  man,"  who  in  three  days 
bloody  battles  before  Atlanta,  lost  over  thirty  thousand 
men  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners.  H6oD's  terrible  defeats 
occurred  on  the  20th,  22d  and  28th  days  of  July,  1864, 
and  resulted  in  his  being  forced  into  the  defences  of 
Atlanta.  A  siege  of  the  place  was  opened,  but  on  the 
26th  of  August,  SHERMAN  moved  his  main  army  by  the 
right  flank  to  the  rear  of  the  rebel  fortifications,  and  on  the 
31st  reached  Jonesboro,  where  STEPHEN  D.  LEE  and 
HARDEE  attacked  HOWARD'S  Corps,  but  were  repulsed. 
The  next  morning,  General  JEFF.  C.  DAVIS  attacked  the 
rebel  position,  and  carried  it  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet. 
This  secured  us  Jonesboro.  During  the  night  the  rebels 
fled,  and  HOOD  retreated  also  from  Atlanta  under  cover 
of  the  darkness,  General  SLOCUM'S  Corps  entering  the  city 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         217 

early  the  following  morning.  Thus  fell  the  great  strong 
hold  of  the  rebellion  in  the  southwest. 

The  gigantic  combinations  of  the  Lieutenant-General 
were  gradually  developing,  and  the  country  began  to 
realize  the  fact  that  a  General  had  at  last  been  found  who 
was  equal  to  the  great  emergency.  He  had  so  distributed 
the  armies,  that  at  every  point  of  the  compass  they  were 
hammering  away  at  the  supports  of  the  rebellion. 
Although  in  front  of  Petersburg  little  was  accomplished 
during  the  summer  and  autumn,  yet  Georgia,  the  very 
heart  of  the  rebellion,  was  virtually  conquered,  and  the 
power  of  the  South  proven  to  be  centred  in  the  two  great 
armies  of  LEE  and  HOOD.  SHERMAN  had  demonstrated 
his  ability  to  defeat  the  latter  in  a  score  of  battles, 
and  GRANT  had  forced  LEE  from  the  Rapidan  down  be 
hind  the  protecting  works  at  Richmond.  His  keen  vision 
penetrated  through  the  deception  which  caused  the  North 
to  believe  that  the  South  could  carry  on  the  war  indefi 
nitely.  He  believed  the  Rebellion  was  like  an  egg-shell, 
and  impressed  with  this  belief,  he  ordered  SHERMAN  to 
leave  Atlanta  and  pierce  through  Georgia  to  the  sea 
board.  SHERMAN  obeyed,  and  the  world  remembers  his 
grand  march,  and  how  he  proved  General  GRANT'S  opinions 
to  be  correct. 

In  the  months  of  September  and  October,  1864,  several 
heavy  and  decisive  battles  were  fought,  all  resulting  trium 
phantly  for  the  Union  arms.  EARLY  was  completely  de 
feated  in  the  Sheriandoah  Yalley,  by  SHERIDAN,  at  Opequan 
and  Fisher's  Hill,  in  September.  The  Army  of  the  Potomac 
was  not  wholly  quiet,  and  on  the  29th  of  the  same  month 
General  ORD,  having  crossed  the  James  the  previous 
night,  attacked  the  strong  entrenchments  of  the  enemy  at 
Chaffin's  Farm,  and  carried  them  at  the  point  of  the 
bayonet,  while  General  BIRNEY  advanced  from  Deep 
Bottom  and  carried  the  New  Market  Road  and  fortifica- 


218        LIFE   OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

tioDS  General  KAUTZ  with  his  cavalry  making  a  recon- 
noissance  within  two  miles  of  Richmond.  On  the  30th 
General  MEADE  moved  from  his  left  and  stormed  the  rebel 
line  of  works  near  Poplar  Springs  Church.  At  Cedar 
Creek,  on  the  19th  of  October,  SHERIDAN  almost  annihi 
lated  EARLY'S  army,  which  fled  from  the  field  demo 
ralized,  leaving  ten  thousand  men  killed  and  wounded  and 
prisoners  in  our  hands.  In  every  quarter  the  rebel 
armies  were  worsted,  and  despondency  settled  over  the 
"  Confederacy." 

There  was  still  a  hope,  however,  entertained  by  the 
leaders,  that  during  the  winter  they  would  have  rest  and 
opportunity  to  fill  up  their  depleted  ranks.  But  in  this 
they  were  destined  to  grievous  disappointment.  The  Lieu- 
tenant-General  did  not  favor  inaction  even  during  the  cold 
rains,  the  heavy  snows,  or  the  keen  frosts  of  winter,  and 
the  plans  of  his  campaigns  were  steadily  adhered  to  and 
elaborated.  While  he  lay  before  Richmond  watching  with 
eagle  eye  the  grand  army  of  the  Rebellion,  SHERMAN  and 
THOMAS  and  CANBY  were  carrying  out  his  instructions  in 
their  several  departments. 

Between  the  10th  and  13th  of  November,  1864,  the 
troops  of  General  SHERMAN  moved  from  Atlanta,  Rome, 
and  Kingston,  Georgia,  and  on  the  12th,  SHERMAN  broke 
up  his  headquarters  and  set  out  on  the  expedition  which 
was  to  immortalize  his  name  and  establish  the  prowess  of 
the  American  soldier  on  the  march  as  well  as  on  the  bat 
tle-field.  His  army  consisted  of  four  corps  of  infantry, 
two  divisions  of  cavalry,  four  brigades  of  artillery,  and 
two  horse  batteries.  Brevet  Major-General  JEFF.  C. 
DAVIS  commanded  the  Fourteenth  Corps ;  Brevet  Major- 
General  OSTERHAUS  the  Fifteenth  Corps  ;  Major-General 
FRANK  BLAIR  the  Seventeenth  Corps  ;  and  Major- General 
SLOCUM  the  Twentieth  Corps.  Major-Gen eral  KILPATRICK 
was  in  command  of  the  cavalry.  This  magnificent  army 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.         219 

left  Atlanta  fully  equipped  and  provisioned  for  the  enter 
prise,  which  was  nothing  more  or  less  than  a  march 
through  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country  to  the  Atlantic 
coast.  The  march  was  made,  and  the  problem  was  satis 
factorily  solved.  The  enemy  could  not  effectually  resist 
SHERMAN.  Their  spasmodic  efforts  with  militia  were  of 
no  avail.  He  went  through  Georgia  without  opposition, 
and  Savannah  fell  into  his  possession.  The  tidings  of  his 
success  filled  the  North  with  joy,  and  General  GRANT 
again  realized  the  fact,  that  the  rebellion  was  in  his 
power. 

THOMAS  was  looking  after  HOOD,  and  the  commander 
of  our  armies  knew  that  he  could  trust  the  lion-hearted 
and  loyal  old  Virginian,  to  care  for  the  last  formidable 
army  which  the  dying  rebellion  had  in  the  field  in  the 
Southwest.  The  battle  of  Franklin  gave  HOOD  a  foretaste 
of  what  he  might  expect,  and  the  terrible  engagement  near 
Nashville,  on  the  15th  of  December,  which  resulted  in  the 
total  overthrow  of  HOOD'S  splendid  army,  broke  the  power 
of  the  rebellion  in  that  region,  and  lifted  anew  the  hopes 
of  the  North  respecting  an  early  termination  of  the  war. 

THE    CLOSE    OP    THE    YEAR. 

So  stood  military  affairs  at  the  end  of  1864.  SHERMAN 
was  at  Savannah  :  HOOD'S  army,  which  was  to  march  to 
the  Ohio,  and  invade  Indiana  and  Ohio,  was  crushed  and 
scattered,  its  artillery  captured,  and  its  elan  gone.  PRICE 
was  routed  in  Missouri ;  EARLY  was  used  up  in  the  Shenan- 
doab  ;  BRECKINRIDGE  was  checkmated  in  East  Tennes 
see  ;  CANBY  was  operating  effectively  in  Louisiana,  and 
preparing  to  capture  Mobile  ;  and  GRANT  at  Richmond 
was  holding  LEE  in  a  vice  from  which  there  was  no  re 
lease,  The  rebellion  had  seen  desponding  days,  but  they 
were  radiant  compared  to  those  which  now  came  over  it  in 
gloom  and  Egyptian  darkness.  There  was  no  slacking 
14 


220        LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULltbSES    S.   GRANT. 

of  the  advantages  gained  by  our  arms.  Instead  of  pausing 
for  weeks  or  months  to  announce  the  victories,  General 
GRANT  steadily  kept  on,  allowing  nothirfg  to  interfere  with 
his  one  first  and  patriotic  purpose — the  suppression  of  the 
rebellion.  He  lost  no  opportunity — he  let  slip  no  advan 
tage,  but,  firmly  and  certainly  as  fate  itself,  pressed  for 
ward  his  victorious  columns,  in  the  West,  the  Southwest, 
on  the  Atlantic  coast,  and  in  Virginia. 

LEE  grew  desperate,  but  was  able  to  accomplish  little. 
He  promised  great  deeds,  and  DAVIS  promised  greater, 
while  at  the  same  moment  he  knew  that  the  toils  were 
gathering  around  him  from  which  escape  was  impossible. 

COMMENCEMENT    OP    THE    NEW   YEAH,  1865. 

With  the  New  Year  came  new  victories.  Fort  Fisher 
fell,  and  Wilmington  was  no  longer  the  artery  to  feed  the 
heart  of  the  rebellion.  SHERMAN  was  on  his  second  irre 
sistible  march.  He  was  penetrating  South  Carolina. 
Charleston  had  dropped  into  our  arms  without  the  loss 
of  a  man,  and  the  invincible  army  of,-the  West  was  moving 
by  rapid  marches  toward  North  Carolina  and  Virginia. 
LEE  foresaw  the  end,  but  he  was  powerless.  He  did  not 
dare  to  detach  any  large  force  from  in  front  of  GRANT. 
That  General  was  watching  for  such  a  movement  on  the 
part  of  his  adversary,  and  such  a  movement  would  insure 
the  fall  of  Richmond.  LEE  was  helpless.  GRANT  was 
his  master,  and  the  rebel  chief  tacitly  acknowledged  it. 
The  spring  campaign  was  at  hand,  and  SHERMAN  rapidly 
approached  through  North  Carolina,  driving  JOHNSTON, 
his  old  opponent  in  Georgia,  back  at  every  step.  Rebel 
affairs  daily  became  more  critical,  yet  what  could  LEE  do 
but  wait  ?  When  GRANT  saw  proper  to  open  the  ball 
then  LEE  might  be  able  to  decide  as  to  his  course,  not 
before.  His  army  was  composed  of  the  best  fighting 
material,  and  it  numbered  fully  sixty  thousand  men,  and 


LIFE  OF  GP:NKRAL   ULYSSES  s.  GRANT.      221 

was  protected  by  a  line  of  fortifications  of  the  most  for 
midable  nature.  Would  GRANT  order  an  assault  upon 
these  works  ?  This  was  what  LEE  desired ;  what  he 
hoped  for.  The  sequeJ  will  show  that  his  hopes  were 
vain,  and  that  the  man  who  had  foiled  him  at  every  point 
during  the  battles  of  May,  1864,  was  once  more  to  exhibit 
a  strategy  which  would  thwart  all  the  genius  of  the  rebel 
lion,  and  bring  the  "  Confederacy"  tumbling  in  ruins  about 
the  heads  of  its  supporters. 

March,  1865,  was  destined  to  see  all  our  armies  in  mo 
tion.  CANBY  was  operating  with  a  powerful  force  against 
Mobile,  aided  by  the  fleet;  General  WILSON  with  ten  thou 
sand  picked  cavalry  moved  from  Eastport  on  an  expe 
dition  through  Alabama ;  SHERMAN  and  SCHOFIELD  were 
nearing  the  borders  of  Virginia  from  the  South,  and  it 
now  only  remained  for  the  Army  of  the  Potomac  to  gird 
on  its  armor  and  strike  the  finishing  blow  to  the  rebellion. 
Conscious  of  his  peril,  LEE  resolved  to  take  the  initiative, 
and  by  a  bold  stroke  drive  GRANT  from  his  works. 

THE  ATTACK  ON  FORT  STEADMAN. 
At  half-past  four  A.  M.,  March  25th,  1865,  GORDON,  at 
the  head  of  three  divisions,  made  a  sudden  rush  upon 
Fort  Steadman,  overpowered  the  garrison,  and  took  pos 
session  of  the  fort.  But  the  rebel  success  was  destined  to 
be  of  more  value  to  ourselves  than  it  was  to  GORDON.  With 
the  dawn  of  day,  General  HARTRANFT  charged  the  fort 
with  his  reserves,  recaptured  it  with  the  bayonet,  and  took 
two  thousand  seven  hundred  prisoners.  The  rebel  loss  out 
side  the  work  was  fearful.  The  guns  of  all  our  adjacent 
forts  were  trained  on  the  ground  over  which  the  enemy  had 
to  pass  to  regain  their  own  lines.  When  they  commenced 
their  retreat,  grape  and  canister,  and  round  shot,  and 
storms  of  bullets  swept  through  their  ranks,  and  in  a  brief 
space,  three  thousand  rebels  lay  prone  upon  the  earth  in 


222         LIPR    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

the  agonies  of  wounds  and  death.  The  experiment  was 
a  dear  one,  and  it  revealed  to  LEE  the  truth  that  our 
army  was  on  the  alert,  and  that  all  such  attempts  to 
break  our  lines  would  meet  with  the  same  terrible  punish 
ment.  The  entire  loss  to  the  enemy  in  that  morning's 
work  .reached  the  enormous  figure  of  six  thousand  men. 
It  was  a  lesson  to  LEE  which  he  profited  by,  and  no 
further  efforts  were  made  to  dislodge  our  army. 

When  this  attack  was  made  upon  the  right  of  our  line, 
a  portion  of  the  troops  who  were  used  in  it  were  brought 
from  the  front  of  the  extreme  right  of  our  line  at  Hatcher's 
Run.  In  order  to  conceal  their  withdrawal,  the  pickets  in 
that  neighborhood  made  very  bold  demonstrations  at  that 
point.  The  capture  of  GORDON'S  men  gave  General  GRANT 
a  full  key  to  the  mystery,  and  he  ordered  an  advance  upon 
the  extreme  left  at  Hatcher's  Run,  which  had  been  weak 
ened  by  the  withdrawal  of  GORDON.  Our  troops  made  a 
very  successful  advance,  gained  several  strong  positions, 
and  extended  their  lines  toward  the  South  Side  railroad, 
taking  some  important  field-works,  which  they  held. 
Our  loss  at  Hatcher's  Run  was  six  hundred  and  ninety. 
The  rebels  lost  three  hundred  and  sixty-five  prisoners,  and 
their  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  by  estimate  of  General 
HUMPHREYS,  was  about  sixteen  hundred. 

The  Second  Corps,  which  was  more  in  the  centre,  was 
also  ordered  to  attack  and  take  advantage  of  the  rebel  dis 
comfiture  at  Fort  Steadman.  It  pushed  forward  in  front 
of  Fort  Fisher  and  captured  the  enemy's  intrenched 
picket  line. 

PRESIDENT    LINCOLN    ON    THE    FIELD. 

On  the  24th  of  March,  1865,  President  LINCOLN  arrived 
at  General  GRANT'S  headquarters,  at  City  Point,  and  was 
warmly  welcomed  by  the  Lieutenant-General.  On  Sat 
urday  afternoon,  the  25th,  he  visited  the  scene  of  the 


LIFE    OF    GENEKAL     ULYSSES    S.    GKANT.        223 

morning's  battle  in  company  with  Generals  GRANT  and 
MEADE.  The  day  had  been  fixed  for  a  grand  review,  but 
the  bloody  events  of  the  forenoon  had  decided  that  there 
should  be  none,  and  the  President,  cheered  by  the  great 
victory  just  achieved,  remarked,  "  This  is  better  than  a 
review." 

COUNCIL    OP   WAR. 

On  Tuesday,  March  28th,  President  LINCOLN,  Lieuten 
ant-General  GRANT,  and  Major- Generals  MEADE,  SHER 
MAN,  SHERIDAN  and  ORD,  held  a  Council  of  War  on  board 
the  steamer  River  Queen,  at  City  Point,  and  shortly 
thereafter,  General  SHERMAN  was  again  under  way  to 
rejoin  his  army. 

THE   GRAND    CAMPAIGN.-WEDNESDAY, 
MARCH    29th. 

Movements  of  troops  had  been  in  progress  for  two  or 
three  days,  their  purpose  being  merely  concentration  and 
their  disposition  at  proper  points.  These  preliminary 
movements  were  simply  the  placing  the  arrow  on  the 
bow  and  tightening  the  string. 

Early  Wednesday  morning  the  bow  was  bent  and  the 
arrow  launched  out.  The  march  was  commenced  in  that 
direction  in  which  we  have  always  found  the  enemy,  and 
always  found  him  ready  to  fight.  The  Second  Corps,  com 
mencing  its  march  at  six  o'clock  A.  M.,  passed  outside  our 
entrenchments,  near  Hatcher's  Run,  and  advanced  along 
the  Yaughn  road.  Before  noon,  a  new  line  of  battle  had 
been  formed,  the  right  of  which  rested  on  the  extreme  left 
of  our  former  line.  This  position  was  taken  without 
opposition,  and  the  corps  commenced  entrenching.  This 
new  line  was  formed  front,  or  to  the  northwest  of  the 
Vaughn  road,  and  its  general  direction  was  similar  to 
that  of  the  road. 

The  Fifth  Corps,  which  had  been  massed  in  rear  of  the 


LIFE    OF   GENEKAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Second,  started  at  three  and  a  half  o'clock  A.  M.,  from  a 
point  near  the  Schenck  House,  or  about  one  and  a  half 
miles  from  the  old  left  of  our  line.  They  advanced  over 
bye-road*  across  the  country,  so  as  to  reach  the  Yaughn 
road  at  a  point  further  advanced  than  the  Second  Corps 
was  to  proceed.  This  arrangement  obviated  the  necessity 
for  two  corps  marching  on  the  same  road,  and  thus  saved 
time.  Hatcher's  Run  was  crossed  before  striking  the 
Vaughn  road,  which  was  entered  at  a  point  about  five 
miles  from  Dinwiddie  Court  House.  An  advance  was  first 
made  towards  the  latter  place,  General  AYERS'  Division 
up  to  this  time  taking  the  advance.  After  the  head  of  the 
column  had  reached  a  point  probably  not  more  than  three 
miles  from  Dinwiddie,  a  change  of  direction  was  ordered. 
One  brigade  of  General  AYERS'  Division,  under  General 
GWIN,  was  posted  near  the  Scott  House,  to  cover  the 
Yaughn  road,  and  the  remainder  of  the  division  being 
held  back  in  reserve,  GRIFFIN'S  Division  was  then  placed 
in  advance. 

The  column  now  left  the  Yaughn  road  at  a  point  dis 
tant  three  or  four  miles  from  Dinwiddie  Court  House,  and 
advanced  northwardly  up  what  is  known  as  the  Quaker 
road,  in  the  direction  of  the  Boydton  Plank  road,  some 
three  miles  distant.  Within  something  less  than  a  mile 
from  the  Yaughn  road,  the  troops  crossed  Gravelly  Run, 
and  ascending  a  slight  hill  beyond  that  stream,  found  a 
line  of  abandoned  breastworks,  from  which  the  Rebel 
pickets  had  just  retired.  Here  a  skirmish  line  was  thrown 
forward,  and  quite  sharp  firing  commenced  at  once.  The 
skirmish  line  crossing  an  open  plantation  was  brought  to, 
being  near  the  farther  side  of  it,  by  rebels  posted  on  the 
edge  of  a  tract  of  woods. 

The  First  Brigade  of  General  GRIFFIN'S  Division  was 
now  ordered  forward  to  support  the  skirmishers.  When 
arriving  within  short  rifle  range  of  the  woods  aforesaid,  a 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.        225 

tremendous  volley  of  musketry  greeted  their  advance, 
causing  them  to  waver  and  fall  back.  The  Second  Bri 
gade  now  came  up  to  the  support  of  the  First,  and  the 
latter  rallied  and  stood  firm.  Sharp  musketry  continued 
for  nearly  an  hour,  and  in  the  meantime  Battery  B.  of 
the  First  United  States,  was  got  into  position  and  com 
menced  firing  with  considerable  effect.  The  enemy  used 
no  artillery  at  all. 

While  the  fight  lasted,  General  WARREN  was  engaged 
forming  his  line  of  battle,  placing  the  Third  Division 
(General  CRAWFORD'S)  and  the  Third  Brigade  of  the  First 
Division  (GRIFFIN'S)  respectively  on  the  right  and  left  of 
the  Quaker  road.  The  enemy  perceiving  the  force  that 
was  being  massed  against  them  retired  to  a  point  further 
back.  We  captured  here  about  one  hundred  prisoners. 
Our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  estimated  at  nearly 
three  hundred.  The  action  commenced  at  about  half 
past  three  o'clock  P.  M.,  and  closed  soon  after  four. 
It  was  short,  but  extremely  sharp  while  it  lasted. 
BUSHROD  JOHNSON'S  Division  was  the  force  engaged  on 
the  part  of  the  enemy.  No  other  fighting  occurred  at 
any  point  on  the  line. 

SHERIDAN  was  on  the  extreme  left  at  Dinwiddie  Court 
House  and  beyond. 

That  night,  General  MEADE'S  headquarters  were  on  the 
Vaughn  road,  some  three  miles  beyond  Hatcher's  Run, 
and  General  GRANT'S  about  a  mile  further  out. 

A  heavy  rain  prevailed  throughout  Thursday,  and  the 
army  moved  with  difficulty,  yet  portions  of  it  were  ad 
vanced.  The  Second  Division  of  the  Second  Corps,  Gene 
ral  HEYS,  being  the  pivot  of  the  army  moving,  remained 
stationary  during  the  day  on  the  line  assumed  the  pre 
vious  night,  the  right  being  at  Dabney  Mills.  General 
MOTT,  with  the  Third  Division,  had  been  slightly  ad 
vanced  ;  General  MILES  with  the  First  rather  more ;  the 


226        LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Fifth  Corps  still  more,  the  movement  as  a  whole  having 
developed  itself  into  a  grand  left  wheel. 

THE    BATTLES    OF   FRIDAY,    SATURDAY   AND 
SUNDAY. 

During  Friday,  March  31st,  Saturday,  April  1st,  and 
Sunday,  April  2d,  General  GRANT'S  whole  line  was  en 
gaged  with  the  enemy,  and  he  telegraphed  the  progress 
of  the  battle  at  intervals  through  each  day  to  President 
LINCOLN,  who  remained  at  City  Point.  The  following 
brief  despatches  which  the  President  transmitted  as  he 
received  them  to  the  War  Department  at  Washington, 
tell  in  few  and  modest  words  the  story  of  the  victories 
won  at  all  points  on  those  eventful  days. 

FIRST    BULLETIN.— TELEGRAPH    FROM 
PRESIDENT    LINCOLN. 

CITY  POINT,  Ya.,  March  31,  1865— 8'30  P.M. 
HON.   E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War-. — At  12 -30 
P.  M.,  to-day,  General  GRANT  telegraphed  me  as  follows: 

"  There  has  been  much  hard  fighting  this  morning.  The 
enemy  drove  our  left  from  near  Dabney's  House  back  well 
toward  the  Boydton  Plank  road.  We  are  now  about  to  take 
the  offensive  at  that  point,  and  I  hope  will  more  than  recover 
the  lost  ground." 

Later  he  telegraphed  again  as  follows : 

"  Our  troops,  after  being  driven  back  on  to  the  Boydton 
Plank  road,  turned  round  and  drove  the  enemy  in  turn, 
and  took  the  White  Oak  road,  which  we  now  have.  This 
gives  us  the  ground  occupied  by  the  enemy  this  morning.  I 
will  send  you  a  Rebel  flag  captured  by  our  troops  in  driving 
the  enemy  back.  There  have  been  four  flags  captured  to-day." 

Judging  by  the  two  points  from  which  General  GRANT 
telegraphs,  I  infer  that  he  has  moved  his  headquarters 
about  one  mile  since  he  sent  the  first  of  the  two  de 
spatches.  A.  LINCOLN. 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        227 

SECOND    BULLETIN. 

WASHINGTON,  April  1 — 11  P.  M. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  J.  A.  Dix,  New  York : — The  following 
letter  from  the  President,  received  to-night,  shows  the 
desperate  struggle  between  our  forces  and  the  enemy 
continues  undecided,  although  the  advantage  appears  to 
be  on  our  side. 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 

11  CITY  POINT,  Ya.,  April  1,  5-30  P.  M. 

"  HON.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War : — A  despatch  just 
received  shows  that  SHERIDAN,  aided  by  WARREN,  had  at  two 
o'clock  P.  M.,  pushed  the  enemy  back  so  as  to  retake  the  Five 
Forks  and  to  bring  his  own  head-quarters  up  to  Boissua.  The 
Five  Forks  was  barricaded  by  the  enemy,  and  was  carried  by 
DEVIN'S  Division  of  Cavalry.  This  part  of  the  enemy  seems 
to  be  working  along  the  White  Oak  Road  to  join  the  main 
forces  in  the  front  of  GRANT,  while  SHERIDAN  and  WARREN  are 
pressing  them  as  closely  as  possible. 

"A.  LINCOLN." 

THIED    BULLETIN. 

WASHINGTON,  April  2 — 6  A.  M. 

MAJOR- GENERAL  Dix,  New  York : — A  despatch  just  re 
ceived  from  General  GRANT'S  Adjutant-General,  at  City 
Point,  announces  the  triumphant  success  of  our  armies, 
after  three  days  of  hard  fighting,  during  which  the  forces 
on  both  sides  exhibited  unsurpassed  valor. 

EDWARD  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 

"  Crry  POINT,  April  2,  5-30  A.  M. 

"  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War : — A  despatch  from 
General  GRANT  states  that  SHERIDAN'S  Cavalry  and  Infantry 
have  carried  all  before  them,  capturing  three  brigades  of  infan 
try,  a  wagon  train  and  several  batteries  of  artillery.  The  pri 
soners  captured  will  amount  to  several  thousand. 

"  T.  C.  BOWERS.  A.  A.  G." 

FOURTH    BULLETIN. 

WASHINGTON,  April  2 — 11  A.  M. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  Dix,  New  York : — The  following  tele 
gram  from  the  President,  dated  at  8 '30  this  morning, 


228        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT. 

gives  the  latest  intelligence  from  the  front,  where  a  furious 
battle  was  raging  with  continued  success  to  the  Union 
arms.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 

"  CITY  POINT,  Ya.,  April  2—8-30  A.  M. 

"  HON.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War :  Last  night  General 
GRANT  telegraphed  that  General  SHERIDAN,  with  his  cavalry, 
and  the  Fifth  Corps,  had  captured  three  brigades  of  infantry, 
a  train  of  wagons,  several  batteries,  and  several  thousand  pris 
oners.  This  morning,  General  GRANT,  having  ordered  an  attack 
along  the  whole  line,  telegraphs  as  follows: — 'Both  Wright 
and  Parke  got  through  the  enemy's  lines.  The  battle  now 
rages  furiously.  SHERIDAN,  with  his  cavalry,  and  the  Ffth 
Corps,  and  MILES'  Division  of  the  Second  Corps,  which  was 
sent  to  him  since  one  o'clock  this  morning,  is  now  sweeping 
down  from  the  west.  All  now  looks  highly  favorable.  General 
ORD  is  engaged,  but  I  have  not  yet  heard  the  result  in  his  front.' 

"A.  LINCOLN." 

FIFTH    BULLETIN. 

WASHINGTON,  April  2,  12 '30  P.  M. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  Dix,  New  York : — The  President,  in 
the  subjoined  telegram,  gives  the  latest  news  from  the 
front.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 

"  CITY  POINT,  Va.,  April  2,  11  A.  M. 

"HoN.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War:  Despatches  come 
in  frequently.  All  is  going  on  finely.  Generals  PARKE,  WRIGHT 
and  ORD,  extending  from  the  Appomattox  to  Hatcher's  Eun, 
have  all  broken  through  the  enemy's  intrenched  lines,  taking 
some  forts,  guns  and  prisoners.  SHERIDAN,  with  his  cavalry, 
Fifth  Corps,  and  part  of  the  Second,  is  coming  in  from  the 
west,  on  the  enemy's  flank,  and  WRIGHT  is 'already  tearing  up 
the  South  Side  railroad.  ';'A.  LINCOLN." 

SIXTH  BULLETIN— VICTORY— TWELVE  THOU 
SAND  PRISONERS  AND  FIFTY  GUNS  CAP 
TURED. 

WASHINGTON,  April  2. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  Dix,  New  York : — The  following  tele 
grams  from  the  President  report  the  condition  of  affairs 
at  half-past  four  o'clock  this  afternoon  : 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         229 

"CiTY  POINT,  Va.,  April  2—2  P.  M. 

"  To  HON  .E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War :  At  10-45  A.  M., 
General  GRANT  telegraphs  as  follows:  'Everything  has  been 
carried  from  the  left  of  the  Ninth  Corps.  The  Sixth  Corps 
alone  captured  more  than  three  thousand  prisoners.  The 
Second  and  Twenty-fourth  Corps  both  captured  forts,  guns  and 
prisoners  from  the  enemy.  I  cannot  tell  the  number. 

"  'We  are  now  closing  around  the  works  of  the  line  immedi 
ately  enveloping  Petersburg.  All  looks  remarkably  well.'  I 
have  not  yet  heard  from  SHERIDAN.  His  head-quarters  have 
been  moved  up  to  T.  BANKS'  house  near  the  Boydton  road, 
about  three  miles  southwest  of  Petersburg. 

"A.  LINCOLN." 

CITY  POINT,  Ya.,  April  2,  1865,  8*30  P.  M. 
HON.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War :  At  4'30  P.M. 
to-day,  General  GRANT  telegraphs  as  follows  : — 

"  We  are  now  up,  and  have  a  continuous  line  of  troops,  and 
in  a  few  hours  will  be  entrenched  from  the  Appomattox  below 
Petersburg,  to  the  river  above. 

"  The  whole  captures  since  we  started  out  will  not  amount 
to  less  than  twelve  thousand  men,  and  probably  fifty  pieces  of 
artillery. 

"  I  do  not  know  the  number  of  men  and  guns  accurately, 
however. 

"A  portion  of  FOSTER'S  Division  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Corps 
made  a  most  gallant  charge  this  afternoon,  and  captured  a 
very  important  fort  from  the  enemy,  with  its  entire  garrison. 

"All  seems  well  with  us,  and  every  thing  is  quiet  just  now. 

"  A.  LINCOLN." 


THE    DECISIVE    BATTLE    OP    THE    WAB— SUN 
DAY,  APRIL  2d,  1865. 

On  Sabbath  morning,  April  2d,  1865,  amidst  the  roar  of 
artillery,  and  the  crash,  and  flame,  and  smoke  of  burning 
houses,  the  great  Rebellion  died.  Richmond  and  Peters 
burg  were  captured.  Hundreds  of  guns,  and  thousands 
of  prisoners  taken.  Lee's  army  shattered,  broken,  and 
scattered  to  the  four  winds  !  This  is  the  history  of  the 
day.  How  can  it  be  told  ?  What  pen  can  so  write  it 
that  all  who  run  may  read  its  full  significance — its  mighty 
import  ? 


230        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 
The  turning-point  of  the  movement  was  SHERIDAN'S 

BATTLE   OF   FIVE    FORKS, 

Fought  Saturday  afternoon,  with  his  cavalry  and  the 
Fifth  Corps.  The  battle  was,  practically,  LONGSTREET'S 
ruin.  Fifty-seven  hundred  prisoners,  and  three  batteries  of 
artillery,  were  the  material  trophies  of  the  victory,  but 
the  moral  results  were  of  far  greater  importance.  Our 
loss  in  the  battle  was  severe.  The  only  general  officer 
lost  was  Brevet  Brigadier-General  WINTHROP,  command 
ing  the  First  Brigade  of  General  AYERS'  division  of  the 
Fifth  Corps ;  one  of  those  chivalrous  soldiers  New  Eng 
land  sent  into  the  war. 

The  battle  was  fought  and  won  in  SHERIDAN'S  accus 
tomed  style.  CUSTER,  DEVINS,  and  DAVIS,  of  the  cavalry 
corps,  GRIFFIN,  AYERS,  CRAWFORD,  and  BARTLETT,  of  the 
Fifth  Corps,  won  new  laurels  in  the  fight,  and  the  enemy 
was  driven  pell-mell  from  his  last  Virginia  battle-field, 
with  heavy  loss  in  killed  and  wounded. 

LONGSTREET,  after  his  defeat,  fled,  first  north  and  then 
westward,  probably  with  the  hope  to  effect  a  junction 
with  JOHNSTON  in  North  Carolina. 

Going  from  their  right  to  left,  the  three  divisions  of 
HILL'S  Corps  were  holding  the  line  from  the  Boydton 
road  below  Burgess'  Mill  to  opposite  the  centre  of  the 
Sixth  Corps,  where  it  joined  with  GORDON,  who  held  from 
that  point  around  Petersburg  to  the  Appomattox  river. 

Time  now  became  the  essential  element  of  the  situation, 
and  to  fully  comprehend  the  rapid  changes  that  followed, 
it  is  necessary  to  bear  in  mind  not  days,  but  hours  and 
minutes. 

SATURDAY    NIGHT,  APRIL   1st,  1865. 
During    the    terrible    cannonading    which    lasted    all 
Saturday  night,  it  was  determined  to  assault  the  line  we 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GKANT.         231 

had  been  confronting  so  long.  It  was  known  that  it 
must  be  weak  somewhere,  and  a  grave  suspicion  rested  in 
the  minds  of  many  of  our  officers  that  it  was  in  that  pre 
dicament  everywhere.  It  was  known  positively  that 
LONGSTREET  was  not  attempting  to  return  to  Petersburg 
as  yet,  and  that  HILL  and  GORDON  were  alone  on  the  line. 
It  might  chance  that  some  one  or  more  of  the  forts  were 
heavily  manned,  and  be  so  stubbornly  defended  as  to  dis 
arrange  our  whole  programme  ;  but  if  so,  something  else 
might  be  done.  We  knew  exactly  what  was  before  us  so 
far  as  physical  obstacles  were  concerned.  We  had  been 
looking  on,  into  and  beyond  the  rebel  line  of  works  for 
months.  Our  pickets  and  sharp-shooters  knew  every 
inch  of  the  ground  ;  our  generals  had  correct  diagrams  of 
their  works ;  every  slashing,  rifle-pit,  fort,  abattis,  were 
old-time  acquaintances.  The  only  point  on  which  we 
would  necessarily  be  in  the  dark — and  it  was  an  all-im 
portant  one — was  as  to  what  disposition  Lee  might  make 
of  his  force  during  the  night.  Should  he  leave  them 
scattered  along  his  whole  line,  from  Burgess'  Mill  to  the 
Apponiattox,  we  could  break  it  and  hold  it  everywhere. 
Should  he  mass  at  certain  points  during  the  night,  we 
might  be  there  repulsed,  which  would  cause  the  whole 
programme  to  miscarry.  To  guard  as  much  as  possible 
against  this,  it  was  determined  to  assault  first  with  the 
Ninth  Corps,  immediately  in  front  of  Petersburg,  in  the 
hope  that  LEE  might  be  induced  to  mass  to  some  extent, 
and  leaving  his  right,  the  vital  point,  more  exposed  to  the 
attempt  of  the  Sixth,  Twenty-fourth,  and  Second  Corps. 
How  admirably  the  ruse  succeeded,  this  narrative  will 
show.  It  will  show  further,  that,  while  GRANT'S  general 
ship  completely  baffled  LEE,  he  succeeded  as  thoroughly 
in  befogging  the  North,  and  those  who  were  present  as 
lookers-on.  Men  and  newspapers  talked  of  a  raid  to 
Burkesville  by  SHERIDAN,  of  an  'attempt  to  reach  the 


232          LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Soutl  Side  road,  at  or  near  Black  and  White ;  of  every 
thing  and  any  thing  but  what  was  actually  intended  and 
accomplished.  No  one  dreamed  on  Saturday  that  GRANT'S 
plans  for  the  succeeding  twenty-four  hours  involved  the 
cutting  in  two  and  annihilation  of  LEE'S  army,  the  capture 
of  Petersburg  and  Richmond,  the  death  of  the  rebellion. 
Not  a  man,  outside  the  confidence  of  GRANT,  MEADE,  ORD, 
and  the  corps  commanders. 

SUNDAY,    APRIL   2d,   4    O'CLOCK    A.    M. 

The  Ninth  Corps  initiated  our  glory.  Still  lying 
directly  in  front  of  Petersburg,  General  PARKE  was  in  his 
old-time  position,  pressing  close  up  to  the  town.  His 
divisions  were,  as  of  old,  WILCOX  on  the  right,  resting  on 
the  Appomattox  ;  HARTRANFT,  with  the  glow  of  Saturday's 
glory  still  bright  upon  him,  and  his  new  star  to  be  bap 
tized,  was  in  the  centre,  and  POTTER,  with  the  Second 
Division,  was  on  the  left,  joining  WHEATON,  of  the  Sixth 
Corps. 

The  programme  was  for  WILCOX  to  make  a  feint  upon 
the  rebel  fort  upon  the  Appomattox.  It  was  made 
promptly  to  the  time,  but  was  a  somewhat  vigorous  feint. 
Creeping  up  to  within  a  few  feet  of  the  fort,  at  the  word 
of  command  the  gallant  First  Division  sprang  to  its  feet, 
and,  with  the  old-time  yell,  rushed  on  the  work.  At  four 
and  a  quarter  o'clock  they  were  in  the  fort,  had  captured 
the  astonished  garrison  of  fifty  men,  and  four  guns.  This 
was  the  feint  of  WILCOX,  and,  almost  simultaneously, 
HARTRANFT  and  POTTER  advanced.  It  was  in  the  same 
style.  Creeping  up  under  cover  of  the  darkness,  the  two 
divisions  sprang  to  their  feet,  and  at  the  double-quick, 
without  firing  a  shot,  broke  through  the  rebel  line, 
capturing  four  forts,  twentj^-seven  guns,  and  hundreds  of 
prisoners.  The  moment  they  were  in  possession  of  the 
works,  they  turned  their  guns  on  the  flying  enemy,  some- 


LIFE    OP    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.        233 

what  ungraciously  using  rebel  ammunition  to  accelerate 
rebel  flight. 

Thus  at  daylight  PARKE  had  gained  entire  possession 
of  the  rebel  line  in  his  front,  and  without  loss.  Later  in 
the  day,  he  had  stubborn  fighting  to  do,  and  heavy  losses 
to  sustain. 

Simultaneously  with  the  advance  of  the  Ninth  Corps, 
the  old  Sixth,  heroes  already,  but  to  be  rebaptized  in 
glory  to-day,  began  their  work  under  General  WRIGHT. 
His  divisions  also  advanced  in  the  same  order  in  which 
they  had  occupied  our  works,  WHEATON'S  First  Division 
on  the  right,  SEYMOUR'S  Third  Division  centre,  and 
GETTY'S  Second  Division  on  the  left,  joining  at  Fort 
Sampson  the  new  line  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Corps,  with 
FOSTER'S  Division  on  its  right. 

General  WRIGHT  had  to  sustain  a  volley  before  he 
reached  the  rebel  line,  but  his  loss  from  it  was  very  slight. 
They  had  orders  to  carry  the  rebel  line,  and  carry  it  they 
intended  to  do,  and  did.  The  ground  between  the  two 
lines,  all  along  from  Fisher  to  Lee,  where  the  advance 
was  made,  is  entirely  open,  and  comparatively  level,  the 
only  ravine  being  nearly  to  the  rebel  line,  and  running  for 
some  distance  parallel  with  it,  a  circumstance  that  was  of 
material  advantage  to  us.  Not  five  minutes  elapsed  from 
the  time  WRIGHT  gave  the  signal  to  storm,  before  SEY 
MOUR,  WHEATON  and  GETTY  were  over  the  rebel  line,  in 
possession  of  all  its  guns,  and  hundreds  of  its  occupants 
as  prisoners.  The  enemy  flying  in  wild  disorder  across  the 
open  country  to  their  interior  line,  we  opened  upon  them 
with  their  own  pieces,  and  although  without  great  effect,  it 
served  admirably  to  frighten  them.  Oh,  the  wild  haste 
they  made  from  the  conquering  Yankees  in  their  rear. 
Many  regiments  claimed  the  honor  of  being  first  over  the 
rebel  line,  and  among  them  the  Ninth  New  York  Heavy 
Artillery,  and  the  Eighty-seventh  Pennsylvania  Infantry; 


234:         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

but  amidst  conflicting  accounts,  it  is  impossible  to  deter 
mine  these  matters  with  sufficient  accuracy.  All  regi 
ments,  every  man,  did  well,  did  nobly,  could  not  do 
better.  In  the  first  charge,  WHEATON  took  twelve  pieces 
of  artillery,  and  nearly  the  entire  Mississippi  Brigade  of 
HETH'S  Division,  composed  of  the  Second,  Tenth,  Eleventh, 
Twelfth,  Sixteenth,  Nineteenth,  and  Forty-second  Mis 
sissippi. 

Thus  by  five  o'clock  we  had  miles  of  the  rebel  line  in 
full  and  complete  possession,  and  the  demoralized  enemy 
was  flying  in  dismay  to  his  interior  lines,  drawn  close  in 
to  Petersburg  on  the  south  and  west.  A  pause  followed 
the  work  of  the  early  morning,  but  at 

SEVEN    O'CLOCK 

The  Second  and  Twenty-fourth  Corps  began  the  work 
assigned  them.  First,  of  the  Twenty-fourth,  which 
joined  the  Sixth.  Generals  ORD  and  GIBBON  had  been 
along  its  front  as  late  as  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and 
satisfied  that  all  was  ready,  they  and  their  weary  staffs 
snatched  a  couple  of  hours  of  sleep,  in  the  midst  of  hun 
dreds  of  great  guns  thundering  along  the  lines,  At  the 
hour  named,  TURNER  and  FOSTER  assaulted  the  rebel  line 
in  their  front,  and  carried  it  with  very  little  loss.  The 
ground  over  which  they  advanced  was  difficult  in  the  ex 
treme,  cut  up  into  ugly  ravines,  and  encumbered  with  in 
tricate  slashing.  The  distance  was  short,  fortunately,  and 
somehow  the  two  divisions  got  over  it  and  over  the 
rebel  works  at  the  same  time,  the  One-hundred-and- 
twenty-third  Ohio,  of  the  First  Brigade,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant-Colonel  POTTER,  Thirty-eighth  Massachusetts, 
being  first,  had  time  enough  to  capture  four  guns  and  a 
large  portion  of  COOK'S  Brigade,  of  HETH'S  Division, 
consisting  of  the  Third,  Fourth,  Twelfth,  Twenty-first 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         235 

and  Twenty-third  Georgia,  and  the  Twenty-third  North 
Carolina. 

Simultaneously  with  the  assault  of  the  Twenty -fourth, 
the  Second  Corps  advanced  immediately  on  the  opposite 
side  of  Hatcher's  Run.  If  the  ground  was  difficult  before 
the  Twenty-fourth  Corps,  it  was  apparently  impassable 
before  the  Second.  It  was  a  gradual  ascent  all  the  way, 
and  covered  with  a  slashing  almost  unparalleled  in  the 
experience  of  the  war.  Through  it  HAYES  must  go 
with  the  Second  Division,  and  through,  in  some  way,  he 
did  go.  He  had  with  him  only  his  First  and  Second 
Brigades,  the  Third,  under  General  SMYTH,  having  been 
sent  to  operate  with  General  MOTT,  further  to  the  left. 

Under  cover  of  the  guns  of  Battery  B,  First  Rhode 
Island  Artillery,  Colonel  OLMSTED  with  the  First  Brigade, 
and  Colonel  MoIvOE  with  the  Second,  rushed  into  the 
two  forts  before  them,  and  with  a  loss  of  less  than  a 
dozen,  found  themselves  in  possession  of  five  guns 
(twelve-pound  Napoleons)  and  nearly  all  of  MACOMB'S 
Brigade  of  HETH'S  Division,  comprising  the  Fifth,  Seventh, 
Thirteenth,  Fourteenth  and  Seventeenth  Tennessee.  Here 
the  Nineteenth  Massachusetts  and  Seventh  Michigan 
entered  the  fort  first,  of  the  First  Brigades  ;  Massachusetts 
and  Michigan,  the  far  East  and  far  West  joining  hands 
this  Sabbath  morning  in  the  last  ditch  of  the  Rebellion  ! 
Of  the  Second  Brigade  the  Eighth  New  York  Heavy 
Artillery  was  ahead,  Lieutenant  JAMES  YOUNG,  of  Com 
pany  G,  going  first  into  the  fort  with  twenty  men.  The 
fort  on  the  left  was  first  entered  by  a  sergeant  of  the 
Sixty-ninth  Pennsylvania. 

Further  to  the  left  of  our  line,  General  MOTT,  with  his 
famous  Red  Diamonds,  kept  step  with  the  white  trefoil 
of  the  Second  Division  of  the  Second  Corps.  The  Eighth 
New  Jersey,  of  MCALLISTER'S  Brigade,  is  reported  as  the 
regiment  that  first  entered  the  enemy's  lines.  General 


236        LIFE    OP    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

MILES  captured  the  rebel  line  where  it  crosses  the  Boyd- 
ton  road  at  Burgess'  Mill,  aud  he  was  immediately  in  full 
march  on  the  Boydton  road  toward  Petersburg. 

AT    EIGHT    O'CLOCK, 

We  had  broken  in  the  entire  rebel  line  from  the  Appo- 
mattox  to  Burgess'  Mill,  and  the  Sixth  Corps  had  swung 
around,  facing  the  doomed  Cockade  City  from  the  west ; 
the  Twenty-fourth  Corps  was  marching  from  Hatcher's 
Run,  east,  inside  the  rebel  line,  and  the  Second  Corps  in 
the  same  direction,  on  the  Boydton  road.  No  army  was 
ever  in  more  magnificent  spirits.  Every  man  seemed  to 
be  endowed  with  intuitive  power  to  understand  the  full 
significance  of  the  mighty  events  they  had  been  enacting. 
The  smile  of  triumph  was  on  every  lip,  the  sparkle  of  joy 
in  every  eye.  At  this  moment  General  GRANT  rode  along 
the  lines  towards  Petersburg.  He  had  left  his  headquar 
ters  at  Dabney  Mills  a  few  minutes  before,  and  was  on  his 
way  to  personally  overlook  the  work  yet  to  be  done.  The 
Army  of  the  Potomac  has  long  out-lived  its  cheering 
days.  It  cheered  General  McCLELLAN  frequently,  but 
since  then  its  commander  has  been  paid  the  compliment 
at  rare  intervals.  But  now  it  greeted  General  GRANT 
with  shouts  of  triumph,  it  cheered  him  long  and  lustily. 
The  scene  brought  vividly  to  mind  those  early  days  of 
NAPOLEON'S  Italian  campaign,  since  wben  we  have  had  no 
such  manifestations  of  military  genius  as  this  day  fur 
nished  us.  The  Lieutenant-General  acknowledged  the 
salute  by  lifting  his  hat,  but  never  stopped  riding  on  at 
that  brisk  pace  so  natural  to  him. 

So  far  our  success  had  been  splendid  beyond  precedent, 
perhaps  beyond  expectation.  Would  it  last  ?  GRANT, 
surveying  the  interior  lines  of  LEE,  running  at  right 
angles  with  his  old  line,  and  from  it  to  the  Appomattox, 
thought  so,  probably,  but  as  ever  before,  his  countenance 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         237 

afforded  no  clue  to  what  he  thought.  A  word  in  ex 
planation  of  these  interior  lines  is  necessary.  Appa 
rently  four  in  number,  the  three  outer  ones  were  isolate 
forts  built  as  outposts  for  the  fourth  and  last,  which  was 
one  of  great  strength,  and  looked  down  upon  us  most 
frowningly  from  the  slight  range  of  hills  upon  which  it 
was  located,  and  it  was  these  outer  forts  spoken  of  as 
lines  which  were  carried. 

AT    NINE    O'CLOCK, 

The  Twenty-fourth  Corps  being  in  short  supporting  dis 
tance,  the  Sixth  Corps  went  to  work  again.  Now  comes 
that  portion  of  the  day  where  everything  was  seen 
plainly  but  nothing  certainly  known.  The  spectator  be 
held  the  magnificent  panorama  of  war  spread  out  like  a 
map  before  him,  the  scene  bathed  in  the  soft  April  sun 
shine.  It  was  a  scene  of  indescribable  grandeur,  but  out 
of  it,  hour  after  hour,  great  events  emerged.  WHEATON 
still  on  the  right,  SEYMOUR  having  swung  to  the  left,  and 
tearing  up  the  South  Side  road,  leaving  GETTY  in  the 
centre,  the  corps  advanced  on  to  the  first  of  the  rebel 
lines.  We  had  four  batteries  of  field  pieces  playing  on  it, 
at  short  range,  which,  once  in  a  while  would  elicit  a  reply 
from  the  rebel  works,  when  a  shell  whizzing  as  angrily 
as  if  ashamed  of  the  cause  in  which  it  was  sent,  whizzed 
over  the  heads  of  our  men,  to  bury  itself  in  the  earth  be 
yond,  or  harmlessly  explode  over  a  deserted  field.  Little 
our  troops  cared  for  all  this.  Forming  in  short  range  of 
the  rebel  works  as  leisurely  and  orderly  as  if  they  were 
on  dress  parade,  the  divisions  of  the  Sixth  Corps  ad 
vanced  on  the  first  line.  At  the  double-quick,  never 
stopping  to  fire,  with  a  wild  yell  of  delight,  over  they 
went.  The  enemy  fled  again,  leaving  the  guns  in  the  fort 
in  our  possession.  Some  few  of  our  men  were  killed  and 
wounded,  but  the  loss  was  still  insignificant. 


238        LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

It  was  a  strange  sight  to  see  the  flag  of  the  Union  and 
the  cross  of  the  Sixth  Corps  flying  over  the  rebel  lines, 
and  stranger  still,  after  a  moment's  pause,  to  see  those 
very  guns  which  but  an  instant  before  had  been  firing 
on  us  now  turned  in  the  opposite  direction  and  sending 
their  iron  hail  after  the  flying  foe.  After  the  carrying 
of  the  first  line  there  was  another  halt.  The  batteries 
were  shifted  right  and  left  and  advanced  beyond  the 
captured  line.  There  was  marching  to  and  fro  of  brigades. 
The  Twenty-fourth  Corps  came  up  on  the  left.  GIBBON 
and  TURNER  and  FOSTER  were  on  the  ground  to  share 
the  further  glories.  From  the  right  of  the  line  a  long 
line  of  muskets  glancing  in  the  sunshine  could  be  seen, 
and  with  a  good  glass  the  trefoil  of  the  Second  Corps 
could  be  distinguished  floating  over  the  columns,  a 
symbol  of  victory  as  well  as  the  Second  Corps.  Vic 
tory  travelled  with  that  column,  for  HUMPHREYS,  MILES, 
MOTT,  and  SMYTH,  and  scores  of  others  whose  names  are 
historic  in  the  land  were  there.  It  may  be  remarked 
here,  although  slightly  out  of  its  order,  that  this  column, 
after  travelling  the  Boydton  road  to  within .  four  miles 
of  Petersburg,  turned  square  off  to  the  left,  taking  a  road 
leading  to  the  Appomattox,  and  soon  disappeared  from  the 
scene. 

The  Sixth  Corps  still  lay  upon  the  side  of  the  hill 
facing  the  second  line  of  rebel  works,  and  while  the 
Twenty-fourth  filed  by  to  take  position  on  its  left,  the 
batteries  opened  again,  and  soon  that  peculiar  light 
smoke — a  strange  mixture  of  blue  and  a  dingy  white, 
known  since  the  days  of  gunpowder  as  battle  smoke — 
arose  in  fantastic  wreaths  and  covered  the  field.  There 
was  other  smoke  there.  Dozens  of  houses,  an  hour  ago 
substantial  and  elegant  dwellings,  dotting  the  splendid 
landscape,  were  in  flames,  and  the  columns  of  smoke 
arising  from  them  in  heavy  clouds,  shrouded  our  lines  for 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         239 

a  moment,  and  then,  lifted  by  the  wind,  floated  off  with  it 
to  the  northeast. 

The  pause  continued,  GRANT  had  laid  out  a  pro 
gramme  for  the  army.  MEADE,  and  WRIGHT,  and  GIBBONS' 
commands  were  to  execute  it,  and  did.  The  commanders 
rode  slowly  up  and  down  the  line.  You  could  see  theii 
various  flags  waving  now  on  some  little  hillock,  where 
they  stopped  to  examine  the  rebel  line,  now  disap 
pearing  in  a  hollow  as  the  little  party  trotted  on  to 
another  part  of  the  line.  All  was  ready  in  a  few  minutes. 
The  forts  to  be  assaulted  had  been  selected,  and  again 
the  command  to  charge  was  given.  The  shrill  bugle, 
sounded  over  the  plain,  and  WHEATON,  SEYMOUR,  GETTY, 
TURNER  and  FOSTER,  moved  again.  The  scene  of  the 
previous  half-hour  was  re-enacted  again.  In  three 
columns  they  moved  on  each  fort.  Again  the  wild  cry 
of  anticipated  triumph  arose  from  the  ranks  of  blue. 
Again  the  Rebels  made  a  feeble  and  ineffectual  resist 
ance,  and  again  our  soldiers  swarmed  over  their  works, 
and  planted  the  flag  of  freedom  upon  the  ramparts. 
Once  more  guns  and  prisoners,  this  time  from  WILCOX'S 
North  Carolina  Di\7ision.  We  began  to  be  oppressed 
with  the  magnitude  of  our  triumphs.  There  were  re 
peated  instances  where  a  guard  of  one  man  escorted  a 
squad  of  ten  or  fifteen  prisoners  to  the  rear.  In  this 
charge  one  fort  mounting  several  guns  was  taken  by  the 
Yermont  Brigade.  There  KIEFER  and  L.  0.  GRANT  shone 
like  gods  of  war.  GRANT  showed  the  persistence  of  his 
namesake,  our  great  ULYSSES.  Wounded  through  the 
hand  he  refused  to  leave,  had  the  wound  dressed  on  the 
field,  and  continued  in  charge  of  his  brigade.  There  were 
other  heroes.  GETTY'S,  and  WHEATON'S,  and  SEYMOUR'S 
Divisions  were  heroes  ;  every  man.  So  were  TURNER'S 
and  FOSTER'S.  The  jovial  FOSTER,  true  type  of  the 
Hoosier,  a  man  of  the  LOGAN  stamp,  enjoyed  the  work  of 
the  mor'nins:  far  more  than  anything  earth  could  furnish. 


240        LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

TEN    O'CLOCK 

Came,  and  leaving  our  left  pausing  in  front  of  the  third 
line  of  the  rebel  works,  we  must  sweep  around  to  the 
right  where  the  Ninth  Corps  is  still  battling.  Here  the 
rebels  made  what  seemed  a  determined  effort  to  re 
take  what  they  had  lost,  but  which  was  in  reality  an 
attempt  to  cover  their  withdrawal  from  Petersburg. 
GORDON  made  the  effort,  but  LEE  was  in  the  town  per 
sonally  superintending  everything.  The  rebels  made  a 
charge,  and  seemed  for  a  time  likely  to  drive  the  Ninth 
Corps  from  the  line  it  had  won  so  easily.  The  fire  was 
particularly  heavy  on  the  Second  Division  and  on  the 
Third.  General  POTTER,  commanding  the  Second  Division, 
was  shot  through  the  groin,  and  borne  dying  from  the  field, 
and  his  men  fell  in  scores  around.  Still  the  division 
stood  firm  to  the  works,  and  repulsed  the  enemy  at  last. 
HARTRANFT  was  overworked  and  overtasked.  His  little 
division  of  two  brigades  had  been  put  to  a  severer  test 
than  ever  new  troops  had  been  called  on  to  undergo. 
Covered  with  the  glory  of  STEADMAN,  they  had  been  in  the 
trenches  night  and  day  since,  and  their  physical  strength 
was  so  weak  that  for  a  moment  they  retired.  But  only 
for  a  moment.  One  last  effort,  a  straining  as  of  the  mus 
cles  of  an  overstrung  horse,  and  with  the  effort  the  enemy 
was  beaten  back.  But  we  lost  one  fort  at  last,  and  the 
line  was  to  that  extent  broken. 

More  troops  were  needed  on  this  part  of  our  lines. 
Where  should  they  come  from  ?  Every  man  of  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  was  already  in  use.  The  Fifth 
and  Second  Corps  were  already  en  route  to  cut  off  the 
anticipated  retreat  of  the  enemy  ;  and  not  a  man  of  the- 
Sixth,  Twenty -fourth,  or  of  Birney's  Division  of  the 
Twenty-fifth  Corps  could  be  spared  from  the  line  west 
of  Petersburg,  for  although  not  yet  meeting  with  any 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         241 

opposition  they  could  not  overcome,  the  ground  we  had 
gained  there  must  be  held  against  any  possible  attack. 
But  Forts  STEADMAN  and  HILL,  and  all  the  others  on  the 
front  must  have  more  men,  and  they  were  found.  There 
were  five  splendid  regiments  and  hundred's  of  SHERIDAN  s 
dismounted  men  at  City  Point,  and  City  Point  was 
stripped  of  them.  All  were  hurried  instantly  to  the  front, 
and  all  the  garrisons,  prisons,  and  wharves  of  the  Point 
were  left  with  only  one  hundred  and  forty  men.  The 
critical  hour  was  past  now.  For  the  first  time  every  man 
in  the  armies  operating  against  Richmond  was  employed 
in  active  operations  against  the  enemy. 

These  troops  arrived  at  Meade  station  at  noon,  and 
were  hurried  to  the  front ;  but  the  yeoman  service  they 
did  was  some  two  hours  later  in  the  day,  and  we  again 
hurry  to  the  left,  where, 

AT    ELEVEN    O'CLOCK, 

The  splendid  war  programme  was  still  visible,  with  all  its 
shifting,  glorious  changes.  Glorious  they  were,  because 
each  spoke  in  thunder  tones  of  the  demoralization  of  LEE'S 
army. 

MEADE  and  WRIGHT  and  GIBBON  were  still  at  work. 
The  Sixth  Corps  was  shifting  to  the  right,  and  how  was 
it  being  done  ?  In  plain  view  and  easy  range  of  the 
third  interior  line  of  LEE,  we  were  moving  in  column 
as  if  on  a  gala-day  parade,  and  so  in  truth  it  was ;  the 
Army  of  the  Union  in  joyful  attendance  on  the  funeral 
of  the  Rebellion. 

At  this  hour  not  a  sound  came  from  the  field  ;  not  a 
gun  was  speaking  anywhere  ;  not  a  shout  heard  on  all 
the  line.  The  rebel  lines  were  as  hushed  as  our  own ; 
their  guns  looked  down  frowningly  upon  us  from  the  huge 
forts  in  which  they  were  incased,  but  not  one  of  them 
spoke  ;  Hot  a  horse  neighed  ;  not  a  drum  or  bugle  sounded  ; 


242        LIFE    OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

not  one  of  the  ammunition  wagons  moving  hither^ver  the 
sandy  soil  of  the  undulating  landscape  gave  forth  a  sound. 
The  whole  field  was  stilled  as  if  in  death.  Suddenly  one 
of  the  guns  upon  the  fort  on  the  rebel  loft  belched  forth 
a  dull  report ;  a  wreath  of  rising  smoke,  the  bursting  of 
a  shell,  and  all  was  still  again.  The  next  moment  another, 
then  another,  then  three  guns  opened  in  a  continuous  roar. 
They  were  attempting  to  retard  the  march  of  three  of  our 
brigades  gaining  the  shelter  of  a  small  skirt  of  timber 
upon  their  left,  from  which  to  assault  them.  Yain  hope  ! 
The  columns  move  on,  paying  them  not  even  the  compli 
ment  of  a  moment's  pause,  or  of  a  gun  in  reply.  Poor 
LEE  !  struggling  like  a  child  in  the  hand  of  a  giant  deter 
mined  to  destroy  him.  Thus  the  hour  passed,  and  by 

TWELVE    O'CLOCK 

It  was  discovered  that  LEE  was  in  retreat  across  the  Ap- 
pomattox.  From  our  signal  towers  his  columns  could  be 
seen  beginning  to  move  over  the  river  on  three  separate 
pontoons,  just  above  the  city,  and  huge  fires  were  already 
raging  in  the  town  itself,  showing  that  the  Rebels  had 
applied  the  torch  to  accelerate  their  own  ruin.  Provision 
had  already  been  made  for  LEE'S  anticipated  retreat.  It 
was  not  a  part  of  the  programme  that  any  part  of  his  army 
should  escape,  and  the  Second  and  Fifth  Corps  had  long 
ago  moved  to  the  Apponiattox,  and  must  have  been  at 
this  hour  across  it  or  near  it.  At  any  rate,  the  calcula 
tions  were  that  they  were  near  enough  to  force  LEE  and 
his  flying  hordes  to  battle  and  ruin  long  before  he  reached 
the  Danville  road. 

AT    TWO    O'CLOCK 

All  was  activity  again,  both  right  and  left.  On  the 
left  the  Sixth  Corps  assaulted  the  large  fort  I  have  men 
tioned,  and  another  next  to  it,  on  the  left,  an*  TURNER 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        243 

and  FOSTER,  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Corps,  stormed  one 
each,  further  to  the  rebel  right.  The  scene  was  again 
in  full  view,  and  had  all  the  elements  of  grandeur  of  its 
predecessor  of  the  morning.  The  bugle  sounded,  and  the 
mass  of  blue  sprang  forward,  as  before ;  and,  as  before, 
the  rebels  made  a  feeble  and  ineffectual  resistance.  Our 
movements  were  like  lightning.  From  the  moment  the 
charge  sounded  until  the  instant  we  swarmed  over  the 
works  was  the  shortest  appreciable  period  of  time,  and 
before  the  dumbfounded  enemy  well  knew  we  had 
started,  our  flags  were  flying  over  the  ramparts,  our  shout 
of  triumph  ringing  along  their  lines,  some  of  them  flying, 
with  their  own  guns  turned  upon  them,  and  the  remainder 
going  to  the  rear  as  prisoners. 

Carrying  this  line,  getting  into  position  before  the  fourth 
and  last,  occupied  the  hour  from  two  to  three  on  the  left. 
Our  triumph  was  assured — the  way  to  Petersburg,  by  the 
Boydton  road,  was  all  but  open — an  hour  more,  and 
MEADE,  if  he  so  willed,  could  have  marched  into  the 
Cockade  City. 

ON    THE    RIGHT. 

On  the  right  this  same  hour  of  two  o'clock  was  an 
hour  of  triumph.  It  had  been  determined  to  retake  the 
rebel  fort  they  had  wrested  from  us,  and  the  fresh  brigade 
of  General  COLLIS,  from  City  Point,  was  assigned  to  the 
duty,  composed  of  the  Sixty-eighth  and  One-hundred-and- 
fourteenth  Pennsylvania,  the  Twentieth  New  York, 
Sixty-first  Massachusetts,  and  the  New  York  Engineers, 
veteran  regiments  all. 

COLLIS  himself  headed  the  charge,  having  left  his  post 
at  City  Point  to  share  the  glories  of  the  day.  A  terrible 
fire  greeted  the  brigade,  but  it  swept  through  it  and  over 
and  into  the  disputed  fort,  settling  at  once  and  forever  the 
question  of  its  ownership.  Our  loss  had  been  severe. 
Captain  J.  M.  EDDF,  of  the  One-hundred-and-fourteenth 


24:4:        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

Pennsylvania,  commanding  the  regiment,  and  leading  it 
like  a  hero,  fell  mortally  wounded,  shot  through  the  head  ; 
and  of  the  officers  there  were  wounded,  Lieutenant  JOHN 
WICHER,  Company  A,  in  the  thigh  ;  Lieutenant  GEORGE 
W.  BRATTON,  Company  C,  leg ;  and  Lieutenant  EDWARD 
MARRIAN,  Company  I,  in  the  arm.  Of  the  Sixty -eightn 
Pennsylvania,  Captain  MICHAEL  FULMER,  Company  A 
mortally  wounded,  and  Captain  J.  C.  GALLAGHER  severely  ; 
and  in  the  Sixty-first  Massachusetts,  Lieutenant  THOMAS 
C.  HART  was  killed.  But  we  took  the  fort,  and  we  held 
it,  notwithstanding  the  efforts  of  Qk)RDON  to  regain  it,  and 
we  held  all  the  others  against  similar  attacks.  WILCOX'S, 
PORTER'S  and  HARTRANFT'S  Divisions,  still  displaying  the 
valor  that  won  back  STE ADMAN,  and  in  the  morning  had 
won  the  rebel  line.  Thus,  at  half-past  three  o'clock  the 
day  was  decided  ;  irretrievable  ruin  was  upon  the  Rebel 
lion.  It  had  no  last  ditch  or  last  legs ;  it  had  been 
ejected  from  the  former,  the  latter  had  been  struck  from 
under  it. 

Now  is  the  proper  time  to  remark  that  this  disaster 
came  upon  LEE  suddenly  and  unexpectedly.  It  is  true, 
he  was  preparing  for  contingencies  by  removing  the  pub 
lic  stores  and  works,  but  he  intended  to  hold  these  lines  to 
the  last  gasp.  The  whole  rebel  army  was  here.  Since 
SHERIDAN  began  the  battle  of  Five  Forks,  prisoners  had 
been  taken  from  nearly  every  brigade.  In  fifteen  captured 
forts  the  guns  were  mounted,  the  magazines  supplied  with 
ammunition,  and  all  the  personelle  of  the  soldier  was  there. 
In  every  foot  of  the  miles  of  their  camps  there  were  indi 
cations  that  the  inhabitants  had  left  home  very  unex 
pectedly,  and  from  a  pressing  necessity.  In  many  huts 
on  the  left,  the  unfinished  breakfast  was  left  upon  the 
ground  floor,  muskets  were  strewed  about,  and  blankets 
and  knapsacks  were  scarce,  only  because  the  Rebels  had 
none. 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        245 

AT    SIX    O'CLOCK, 

Our  triumph  was  complete — our  prisoners  almost  like  the 
sands  on  the  sea-shore.  We  were  burdened  with  them, 
and  obliged  to  call  the  marines  and  sailors  from  PORTER'S 
fleet  to  help  guard  them.  The  day's  work  was  over. 

Generals  GRANT  and  MEADE  established  headquarters 
for  the  night  on  the  Boydton  road,  three  miles  west  of 
Petersburg,  and  our  forces  were  poured  over  the  Appo- 
mattox  above  the  city.  Petersburg  was  of  no  use,  and 
GRANT  was  pursuing  LEE  with  the  wrath  of  an  avenging 
arigel. 

TRANSACTIONS    ON    THE    JAMES    RIVER. 

The  picket  boat  of  PORTER'S  fleet  the  night  of  the  2d 
of  April,  was  the  Commodore  Perry,  lying  immediately 
under  Hewlett  House.  The  rebel  rams  Virginia  and 
Eappahannock  had  been  for  a  long  time  lying  in  the  river 
some  distance  above  Hewlett  House,  but  in  plain  sight. 

At  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the  watch  on  board  the 
Perry  saw  a  dark  object  floating  by.  It  was  grappled 
and  proved  to  be  the  raft  used  by  the  Rebels  to  moor 
alongside  their  vessels  when  in  need  of  repairs.  It  had 
all  the  tools  on  board.  Here  the  scene  shifts  to  Richmond. 
Here  was  the  first  positive  sign  of  intended  evacuation. 
An  hour  later  and  the  earth  was  shook  as  by  a  volcanic 
eruption.  At  City  Point  the  terrible  concussion  shook 
the  frail  buildings  in  every  timber,  and  awakened  every 
weary  sleeper.  The  sight  as  viewed  from  the  deck  of  the 
Perry,  and  from  the  ramparts  of  Fort  HARRISON,  on 
WEITZEL'S  lines,  was  grand  in  the  extreme.  A  deafening, 
crashing  roar,  a  thousand  hissing,  glowing  masses  of  fiery 
matter,  suspended  for  an  instant  in  mid-air,  then  falling 
with  a  heavy  sound  and  mighty  splash  into  the  vexed 
river.  Thus  one  of  the  rebel  rams  passed  from  existence. 
A  few  minutes  later  and  the  scene  was  repeated,  and  the 


246        LIFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

other  ram  followed  its  mate.  The  slighter  explosions  and 
great  conflagrations,  further  up  the  river  at  the  same 
time,  were  the  destruction  of  the  rebel  wooden  fleet. 

Around  our  lines  from  Hatcher's  Run  to  Petersburg,  in 
the  changing,  shifting  scenes  of  Sunday  up  the  James,  the 
story  is  complete ;  but  to  the  full  recital  of  the  glories  of 
the  day  there  yet  remains  WEITZEL'S  lines  on 

THE    NORTH    SIDE    OP    THE    JAMES 

To  chronicle.  When  General  ORD  withdrew  to  the  lines 
investing  Petersburg  he  brought  with  him  exactly  one- 
half  of  his  army,  being  TURNER'S  and  FOSTER'S  Divisions, 
of  the  Twenty-fourth  Corps,  and  BIRNEY'S  Division  of  the 
Twenty-fifth  (colored)  Corps.  On  the  north  side,  occu 
pying  his  entire  line,  he  left  WEITZEL,  with  KAUTZ'S 
Division  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Corps,  and  ASBORNE'S  arid 
THOMAS'  Divisions,  of  the  Twenty-fifth  Corps. 

Sunday,  while  the  greatest  scenes  of  history  were 
enacting  around  Petersburg,  WEITZEL'S  entire  line  was 
perfectly  quiet,  not  a  shot  anywhere.  The  enemy  made 
a  great  show ;  every  man  on  the  line  doubtless  had  orders 
to  make  himself  appear  as  much  as  possible  like  six. 
WEITZEL'S  command  certainly  had  such  orders ;  both 
sides  were  playing  the  same  game,  and  one  was  probably 
as  little  deceived  as  the  other.  When  night  came  on  the 
rebel  bands  played  vociferously  and  persistently  in 
various  parts  of  their  lines  :  probably  half  the  bands  in 
the  rebel  camps  had  been  called  into  requisition  in  the 
game  of  attempted  deception.  WEITZEL  followed  the  ex 
ample  set  him  :  he  set  all  his  bands  at  work  upon  our 
National  airs,  and  the  night  was  filled  with  melodious 
strains,  conflicting  somewhat,  however,  in  their  political 
significance. 

Toward  midnight,  however,  this  musical  contest  ceased, 
and  silence,  complete  and  absolute,  brooded  over  the  con- 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.  GRANT.        247 

tending  lines.  At  the  hour  specified  the  camps  were  startled 
into  life  again  by  the  explosions  already  detailed.  To  WEIT- 
ZEL'S  clear  brain  the  full  meaning  of  the  event  came  home  at 
once,  and  he  did  not  need  the  confirmatory  lurid  light  he 
saw  hanging  over  the  rebel  capital  to  tell  him  that  the 
hour  had  almost  come.  His  orders  were  to  push  on 
whenever  satisfied  of  his  ability  to  enter  the  city,  and 
summoning  what  patience  he  could  he  waited  the  short  in 
terval  until  daylight,  when  he  sent  out  the  Fifth  Massa 
chusetts  Cavalry  to  reconnoitre.  Its  report  soon  came  in — 
no  enemy  to  be  found ;  his  camps  deserted  of  whatever 
force  had  been  there.  The  way  to  Richmond  was  open. 
Southwest  of  Petersburg  had  been  found  the  key  that  had 
unlocked  its  stubborn  gates,  and  WEITZEL  was  instantly 
on  the  road.  Let  his  own  despatch  tell  the  story. 

"  CITY  POINT,  Va.,  April  3,  11  A.  M. 

"  General  "Weitzel  telegraphs  as  follows  : — 

"  We  took  Richmond  at  8.15  this  morning.  I  captured  many 
guns.  The  enemy  left  in  great  haste. 

"  The  city  is  on  fire  in  one  place.  We  are  making  every 
effort  to  put  it  out. 

"The  people  received  us  with  enthusiastic  expressions  of 
joy. 

"  General  Grant  started  early  this  morning,  with  the  army, 
towards  the  Danville  road,  to  cut  off  Lee's  retreating  army,  if 
possible. 

"  President  Lincoln  has  gone  to  the  front. 

"  (Signed)       "  T.  S.  BOWERS,  Assistant  Adjutant- General. 
11  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War." 

And  so  Richmond  fell !  Richmond,  the  capital  of  the 
so-called  Confederacy  ;  the  city  which  for  four  years 
baffled  all  efforts  for  its  reduction.  Thanks  to  the  genius 
of  GRANT  and  a  favoring  Providence  the  Rebellion  was 
now  in  the  last  throes  of  dissolution.  Right  and  justice 
were  again  vindicated,  and  the  long,  weary  and  bloody 
war  for  the  Union,  the  Constitution  and  the  perpetuity  of 
American  Liberty  was  rapidly  drawing  to  a  close.  The 
chief  of  the  Rebellion  was  a  fugitive,  his  main  army  was 


248        LIFE   OF  GENEKAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

broken  and  flying,  and  there  remained  now  no  hope  in  his 
mind,  or  those  of  his  followers,  that  the  Union  could  ever 
be  overthrown,  and  a  Southern  Confederacy  established. 

THE   PURSUIT    OP    GENERAL    LEE. 

With  the  energy  which  characterizes  General  GRANT, 
was  the  pursuit  of  LEE'S  flying  and  shattered  columns 
maintained.  On  the  4th  of  April  he  telegraphed  as  fol 
lows  to  Secretary  STANTON  : 

"WILSON'S  STATION,  Va.,  April  4th,  1865. 

"HoN.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War: — The  army  is 
pushing  forward  in  the  hope  of  overtaking  or  dispersing  the 
remainder  of  LEE'S  army. 

"  SHERIDAN,  with  his  cavalry  and  the  Fifth  Corps,  is  between 
this  and  the  Appomattox.  General  MEADE,  with  the  Second 
and  Sixth,  following.  General  ORD  following  the  line  of  the 
South  Side  railroad.  All  of  the  enemy  that  retains  anything 
like  organization  have  gone  north  of  the  Appomattox,  and  are 
apparently  heading  for  Lynchburg,  their  losses  having  been 
very  heavy. 

"The  houses  through  the  country  are  nearly  all  used  as  hos 
pitals  for  wounded  men.  In  every  direction  I  hear  of  Rebel 
soldiers  pushing  for  home,  some  in  large  and  some  in  small 
squads,  and  generally  without  arms.  The  cavalry  have  pur 
sued  so  closely  that  the  enemy  have  been  forced  to  destroy 
probably  the  greater  part  of  their  transportation,  caissons,  and 
munitions  of  war. 

"  The  number  of  prisoners  captured  yesterday  will  exceed 
two  thousand.  From  the  28th  of  March  to  the  present  time, 
our  loss  in  killed,  wounded,  and  captured  will  probably  not 
reach  seven  thousand,  of  whom  from  fifteen  hundred  to  two 
thousand  are  captured,  and  many  but  slightly  wounded. 

"I  shall  continue  the  pursuit  as  long  as  there  appears  to  be 
any  use  in  it. 

"U.  S.  GRANT,  Lieutenant-General" 

LEE  had  been  defeated,  and  General  GRANT  was  deter 
mined  that  he  should  have  no  opportunity  to  recover  him 
self,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  April,  while  the  right  of 
our  line  was  pressing  across  the  works  at  Petersburg,  to 
find  the  city  evacuated,  the  Fifth  Corps  and  the  cavalry, 
on  the  left,  started  out  to  intercept  the  retreat  of  Lee. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         249 

OUSTER'S  Third  Division  was  in  the  cavalry  advance, 
with  WELLS'S  Second  Brigade  leading.  Camp  was 
broken  about  three  miles  east  of  Namozine  Creek,  and  the 
route  lay  towards  the  creek  along  the  Namozine  road. 
At  the  creek  the  enemy's  rearguard  was  found  strongly 
entrenched  behind  earthworks,  covering  the  crossing,  the 
bridge  being  destroyed,  and  trees  felled  across  the  road 
leading  down  to  it.  Four  guns,  two  ammunition  wagons, 
and  two  ambulances  were  found  abandoned  on  this  side 
of  the  creek,  hid  in  the  woods.  A  section  of  artillery  was 
instantly  opened  against  the  works,  while  the  cavalry 
easily  forded  the  stream  above  and  flanked  them.  A 
short  skirmish  ensued,  and  the  enemy  was  driven  off,  and 
the  obstructions  removed.  The  road  beyond  was  filled 
with  felled  trees  and  piled-up  rails,  and  with  emptied 
caissons  surrounded  by  fire,  the  latter  designed  to  explode, 
and  so  delay  our  pursuit.  The  retreat  of  the  enemy  was 
evidently  of  that  sort  which  follows  a  rout — the  path  being 
strewn  with  wagons,  ambulances,  dead  and  wounded 
horses  and  mules,  caissons,  boxes  of  ammunition  thrown 
out  to  lighten  the  load,  mess  utensils,  arms,  accoutrements, 
blankets,  clothing,  loose  cartridges,  and  similar  wr^tks. 
Several  miles  of  rapid  riding  brought  the  column  to 
Namozine  Church,  at  the  intersection  of  two  roads,  the 
left  leading  direct  to  Lynchburg,  the  one  to  the  right  of 
the  church  to  Bevil's  bridge,  across  the  Appornattox,  on 
to  Amelia  Court  House. 

WELLS  passed  the  church  to  the  left,  and  soon  came  up 
with  a  part  of  BARRENGER'S  cavalry  brigade.  The  latter  were 
pretty  well  exhausted  with  their  hopeless  task,  but  turned 
and  fired  on  our  advance,  the  Eighth  New  York.  That 
regiment,  however,  charged  without  a  pause  in  the  pace, 
and  dispersed  the  rearguard,  and,  the  rest  of  WELLS'S 
Brigade  and  PENNINGTON'S  Brigade  coming  up,  prisoners, 
horses,  and  arms  were  captured  in  abundance,  and  tho 


250        LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

enemy  scattered  through  the  woods.  Among  our  killed 
or  dangerously  wounded  were  Captains  GOODRICH,  SKIFF, 
and  FARLEE  WELLS  pressed  upon  the  fugitive  enemy 
along  the  same  road  for  some  distance,  and  then  rejoined 
the  column  on  the  other  road.  CAPEHART'S  Third  Brigade, 
meanwhile,  took  the  road  to  the  right  of  Namozine  Church, 
pushed  on  rapidly  towards  Dennisville,  crossing  Deep 
Creek  at  the  lower  ford,  the  bridge  having  been  destroyed. 
Immediately  upon  crossing,  the  brigade  charged  the 
enemy,  and  a  running  fight  was  kept  up  for  miles,  the 
enemy  now  halting,  now  flying,  and  delivering  many  a 
fatal  Parthian  shot  in  his  flight.  PENNINGTON'S  First 
Brigade  was  hurried  up,  as  the  enemy,  driven  into  more 
compact  form  by  our  own  pressure,  began  to  resist  with 
determination.  The  skirmishing  and  pursuit  now  con 
tinued  with  great  zest,  our  men  being  in  high  spirits,  and 
driving  the  enemy  with  all  ease,  killing  and  wounding 
many,  and  capturing  small  squads  here  and  there  con 
tinually.  At  length  Bevil's  ford  was  reached ;  but  the 
bridge  being  down,  the  enemy  struck  off  to  the  left,  on  a 
road  leading  towards  a  crossing,  seven  miles  further  up 
the  Driver.  PENNINGTON  here  halted  to  gather  up  our 
men  scattered  in  pursuit  of  fugitive  prisoners,  while  CAPE- 
HART  went  on  after  the  enemy.  The  latter,  it  is  said,  had 
charge  of  a  long  wagon  train,  which  impeded  his  progress, 
and  forced  him  to  fight  briskly  here  and  there.  WELLS 
had  now  come  across  from  the  road  on  the  left  of  Namo- 
zine  Church,  and  his  brigade  was  prompt  in  support  of 
CAPEHART'S  pursuit.  The  enemy  at  length  turned  once 
more  to  the  right,  to  cross  the  Appomattox,  and  rejoin 
LEE'S  main  army  on  the  other  bank.  At  this  turning, 
where  roads  crossed,  the  enemy's  cavalry  rallied,  and  a 
body  of  infantry  appeared  to  their  support.  CAPEHART'S 
Brigade  charged  as  before,  but  received  a  volley  which 
checked  them ;  and,  immediately  after,  the  enemy's 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         251 

infantry,  with  all  their  old  spirit,  deployed  in  an  open 
field  on  the  left  of  his  line,  crossed  our  right  flank,  turned 
and  enfiladed  it.  Our  men  retreated  before  the  fire  for 
half  a  mile,  to  where  MCKENZIE'S  Division  (KAUTZ'S  old 
Division)  was  now  in  line.  LORD'S  Battery  A,  Second 
Artillery,  opened  briskly  on  the  enemy,  shelling  the 
woods.  He  was  checked,  and  our  men  soon  resumed  the 
pursuit.  But  night  was  now  falling,  and  the  whole 
column  encamped.  The  enemy  had  been  pursued  full 
twenty  miles,  and  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  prisoners, 
two  flags,  four  cannon,  and  several  ammunition  wagons 
were  captured.  Our  loss  was  not  more  than  sixty  or 
eighty. 

Early  on  Tuesday,  the  4th,  MCKENZIE'S  Division  was  in 
advance,  the  First  Division  next,  and  OUSTER'S  Division  in 
the  rear.  Late  in  the  afternoon,  McKENZiE  came  upon 
the  enemy,  who  appeared  to  be  posted  with  both  infantry 
and  artillery  in  works  about  two  miles  from  Bethany. 
Skirmishing  began  at  once,  and  continued  until  dark, 
when  our  troops  went  into  camp  and  waited  fbr  the  rest 
of  the  column.  But  soon  after  eleven  o'clock  the  same 
night,  the  cavalry  were  again  aroused  and  started  off, 
with  OUSTER  in  advance,  and  marched  all  night.  The 
advance,  at  six  o'clock  the  next  morning,  reached  Jetters- 
ville,  and  there  found  the  whole  Fifth  Corps  well  en 
trenched  across  the  Danville  railroad.  It  was  now 
learned  that  LEE,  in  his  retreat  from  Richmond,  had  got 
as  far  as  Amelia  Court  House,  while  our  forces  had 
sieEed  Burkesville,  and  were  assembling  at  Jettersville. 
Burkesville  is  in  Prince  Edward  County,  the  junction  of 
the  Richmond  and  Danville  and  the  South  Side  railroads, 
fifty-two  miles  west  of  Petersburg.  Jettersville  is  in 
Amelia  County,  on  the  Danville  railroad,  about  half  way 
between  Burkesville  and  Amelia  Court  House,  and  fifty- 
four  miles  southwest  of  Richmond.  Amelia  Court  House 
16 


252         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

is  in  the  same  county  and  on  the  same  railroad,  forty- 
seven  miles  southwest  of  Richmond. 

On  Wednesday,  April  5th,  OUSTER'S  Division  was 
posted,  with  artillery,  on  the  left  of  the  Fifth  Corps. 
rrhe  First  Division  and  MCKENZIE'S  Division  then  pro 
longed  the  line  to  the  left.  DAVIES'  Brigade  of 
CROOK'S  Division  was  sent  by  SHERIDAN,  immediately 
on  arriving,  around  on  his  left  flank,  towards  Burkes- 
ville,  to  seize  that  important  junction,  to  ascertain 
what  was  going  on  in  that  direction,  and  to  disperse 
any  enemy  that  might  be  found  there.  DAVIES  came 
upon  the  enemy's  cavalry  at  Fame's  Cross-roads,  and, 
attacking  him,  captured  several  hundred  prisoners,  five 
new  and  very  beautiful  Armstrong  guns  and  caissons, 
about  two  hundred  wagons,  mostly  empty,  and  seven  or 
eight  battle  flags.  The  enemy's  infantry  then  came  up 
to  the  support  of  his  cavalry,  and,  rapidly  forming,  drove 
off  DAVIES'  gallant  brigade.  The  wagons  were  burned, 
but  the  prisoners  were  brought  to  camp.  Amongst  our 
killed  was  Colonel  JANEWAY.  The  skirmish  was  short 
and  sharp.  SHERIDAN,  at  three  o'clock  P.  M.,  on  hearing 
this  news,  and  finding  the  condition  of  the  enemy,  sent 
the  following  remarkable  despatch  to  General  GRANT  : 

SHERIDAN'S  DESPATCH  TO  GRANT. 

"  JETTERSVILLE,  April  5,  1865.— 3  P.  M. 

"  To  LlEUTKNANT-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT  : 

"  GENERAL  :— I  send  you  the  enclosed  letter,  which  will  give 
you  an  idea  of  the  condition  of  the  enemy  and  their  where 
abouts.  I  sent  General  DAVIES'  Brigade  this  morning,  around 
on  my  left  flank.  He  captured  at  Fame's  Cross,  five  pieces  of 
artillery,  about  two  hundred  wagons,  and  eight  or  nine  battle 
flags,  and  a  number  of  prisoners.  The  Second  Army  Corps  is 
now1  coming  up.  I  wish  you  were  here  yourself.  I  feel  confi 
dent  of  capturing  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  if  we  exert 
ourselves.  I  see  no  escape  for  LKE.  I  will  send  all  my  cavalry 
out  on  our  left  flank,  except  MCKENZIE,  who  is  now  on  the 
right. 

"  (Signed)        "  P.  H.  SHERIDAN,  Major- General." 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.        253 

LETTER    SENT    BY    SHERIDAN    TO    GRANT. 

"AMELIA  COURT-HOUSE,  April  5,  1865. 

"  DEAR  BRAMMIA  : — Our  army  is  ruined,  I  fear.  We  are  all 
safe  as  yet.  Theodore  left  us  sick.  John  Taylor  is  well ;  saw 
him  yesterday.  We  are  in  line  of  battle  this  evening.  Gene 
ral  Robert  Lee  is  in  the  field  »ear  us.  My  trust  is  £till  in  the 
justice  of  our  cause.  General  Hill  is  killed.  I  saw  Murray  a 
few  moments  since.  Bernard  Perry,  he  said,  was  taken  prisoner, 
but  may  get  out.  I  send  this  by  a  negro  I  see  passing  up  the 
railroad  to  Michlenburgh.  Love  to  all.  Your  devoted  son, 

"W.B.TAYLOR,  Colonel" 

Meanwhile,  the  Second  Corps  had  come  up,  and  went 
into  position.  SHERIDAN  had  written  to  GRANT,  "  I  see 
no  escape  for  LEE.  I  will  put  all  my  cavalry  out  on 
our  left  flank,  except  McKENZiE,  who  is  now  on  the 
right."  This  he  proceeded  to  do.  Slight  skirmishing 
in  the-  afternoon  now  foretold  the  attack  of  the  morrow. 
But  we  must  trace  the  progress  of  the  fofantry  to  the  new 
field  of  battle. 

The  Fifth  Corps  started  on  the  pursuit  during  the  morn 
ing  of  Monday  the  3d,  soon  after  the  cavalry,  both  corps 
apparently  being  under  the  command  of  SHERIDAN,  for  the 
purposes  of  this  movement.  At  two  o'clock,  the  corps 
had  arrived  in  sight  of  the  Appomatox.  Thence  it  turned 
to  the  left,  without  crossing  the  river,  along  the  Narnozine 
road,  behind  the  cavalry,  marching  through  Amelia  county 
and  crossing  Deep  and  Namozine  creeks.  The  same  evi 
dences  of  the  disorderly  retreat  already  described  were 
evident  on  every  hand.  Few  people  were  to  be  seen,  ex 
cept  the  contrabands,  many  of  whom  joined  our  column. 
The  day's  march  was  sixteen  miles,  and  the  blocking  of 
the  trains  in  the  miry  roads  prevented  it  from  being 
longer.  The  next  day's,  Tuesday's  march,  was  like  Mon 
day's,  except  that  it  was  twenty  miles  long,  and  its  con 
clusion  brought  the  corps  to  Jettersville,  where  it  was 
massed  in  an  open  field,  and  lay  across  the  railroad. 
Strong  earthworks  were  at  once  thrown  up,  and,  as  the 


254:        LIFE   OF   GEtf&KAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

enemy  was  only  from  five  to  ten  miles  distant,  great  cau 
tion  was  used.  No  fires  were  lighted,  and  the  corps  lay 
ready  for  battle. 

In  the  rear  of  the  Fifth  Corps  marched  the  Second, 
whose  progress,  however,  was  not  so  much  hurried.  In 
the  rear  of  the  Second  was  the  Sixth.  These  two  coins 
were  directed  by  General  MEADE,  and  were  on  the  river 
or  Nainozine  road.  The  Second  Corps  marched  about 
six  miles  on  the  3d,  the  protection  of  the  trains,  which 
went  slowly,  requiring  tardy  progress,  and  the  troops 
were  very  hard  at  work  in  repairing  the  roads  for  the 
passage  of  the  artillery  trains.  The  scarcity  of  rations 
caused  an  amount  of  "  foraging,"  which  must  have  con 
trasted  pleasantly  with  the  old  Peninsular  campaign. 
Not  a  few  prisoners  were  captured  or  surrendered  along  the 
line  of  march.  At  midnight  the  corps  was  again  roused, 
and,  after  much  delay,  caused  by  the  obstruction  of  the 
roads  by  trains,  the  column  got  off.  A  long  march  until 
two  o'clock  of  the  4th,  brought  the  corps  to  Jetters- 
ville.  SHERIDAN  immediately  had  the  Second  and  Third 
Divisions  posted  on  the  left  of  the  Fifth  Corps,  in  the 
position  from  which  he  had  now  withdrawn  the  First  and 
Third  Divisions  of  cavalry.  An  attack  from  LEE  was 
hourly  apprehended,  but  none  took  place. 

ORD'S  column  of  the  Army  of  the  James,  comprising 
TURNER'S  and  FOSTER'S  Divisions  of  the  Twenty-fourth 
Corps  and  BIRNEY'S  Division  of  the  Twenty-fifth,  marched 
down  the  Cox  road  on  the  fourth,  from  Sutherland's 
station,  ten  miles  west  from  Petersburg  on  the  South  Side 
road,  where  it  separated  from  the  main  column.  The  Cox 
road  is  the  direct  road  to  Burkesville,  along  the  South  Side 
"ailroad  Generals  GRANT  and  ORD  were  both  with  thia 
column.  It  encamped  near  Wilson's  station  that  night, 
having  marched  along  the  railroad  a  distance  of  about  fif 
teen  miles.  Next  day,  the  fifth,  it  continued  with  TUR 
NER'S  Division  in  advance  along1  the  railroad  as  far  as 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.         255 

"  Black's  and  White's,"  which  was  reached  about  two 
o'clock.  Thence  the  roads  being  very  good  indeed,  the 
column  pressed  briskly  on  to  Nottaway  Court  House  on 
the  railroad,  nine  miles  from  Burkesville  and  about 
eleven  from  Jettersville.  Here  it  was  proposed  to  halt, 
the  column  having  marched  twenty  miles.  But  at  six  and 
a  half  o'clock,  SHERIDAN'S  despatch  before  referred  to 
reached  GRANT,  and  he  immediately  pushed  forward  the 
two  divisions  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Corps,  leaving  BIRNEY 
at  "  Black's  and  White's."  At  eleven  o'clock  thfe  Twenty- 
fourth  Corps  marched  and  camped  at  Burkesville  Junction, 
having  undertaken  the  supplementary  march  of  nine  miles 
with  great  enthusiasm  on  hearing  the  good  news.  GRANT 
himself  had  immediately  ridden  over  to  Jettersville,  which 
he  reached  about  eleven  o'clock. 

On  the  fourth,  two  divisions  of  the  Ninth  Corps  marched 
from  Petersburg  to  Ford's  station,  on  the  Southside  road, 
about  twenty  miles  west  of  Petersburg.  On  the  fifth  it 
started  again,  and  still  moving  on  the  Cox  road  towards, 
Burkesville,  along  the  railroad,  camped  at  night  at  Wellers- 
ville,  twenty-one  miles  distant  from  the  latter  point.  The 
corps  had  charge  of  most  of  the  army  trains  and  moved 
along  briskly.  The  next  day  (the  sixth)  it  pressed  on 
along  the  same  road,  and  encamped  at  night  about  ten 
miles  from  Burkesville,  with  one  brigade  of  the  Second 
Division  thrown  forward  to  the  Junction. 

On  that  day,  the  6th  of  April,  occurred  the  decisive 
victory  of  Deatonsville.  On  the  night  previous,  the 
army  lay  in  line  of  battle,  stretching  across  three  or  four 
miles  of  country  and  facing  substantially  northward. 
CUSTER'S  Division  of  cavalry  lay  on  the  right  flank  and 
MCKENZIE'S  on  the  left  flank.  The  infantry  line  was 
formed  with  the  Sixth  Corps  on  the  right,  the  Fifth  in 
the  centre  and  the  Second  on  the  left.  Next  morning 
began  our  mano3uvres.  The  Sixth  Corps  was  transferred 
from  the  right  to  the  left.  The  whole  army  had  before 


256        LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

noon,  marched  about  five  miles  on  the  road  to  Deatons- 
ville,  six  miles  distant  from  Jettersville.  The  enemy  was 
retreating  towards  Painesville,  which  was  the  next  town 
westerly  from  Amelia  Court  House  to  Lynchburg.  Our 
cavalry,  however,  was  there  before  him.  The  battle  at 
Deatonsville  and  Painsville  left  nothing  for  LEE  to  do  but 
to  surrender.  This  he  did,  and  on  the  9th  of  April,  1865, 
the  whole  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  passed  into  the 
record  of  things  that  were. 

SURRENDER   OP    GENERAL    LEE. 

The  following  is  the  correspondence  which  passed  be 
tween  General  GRANT  and  General  LEE  : 

WAR  DEPARTMENT,  ) 

WASHINGTON,  April  9,  1865—9  o'clock,  P.  M.     J 
To  MAJOR-GENERAL  Dix,  New  York : 

This  Department  has  received  the  official  report  of  the  sur 
render,  this  day,  of  General  Lee  and  his  army  to  Lieutenant- 
General  Grant,  on  the  terms  proposed  by  General  Grant. 
Details  will  be  given  as  speedily  as  possible. 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 


HEADQUARTERS  ARMIES  er  THE  UNITED  STATES,  1 
April  9—4-30  P.  M.      } 
HON.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 

General  Lee  surrendered  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  this 
afternoon,  upon  the  terms  proposed  by  myself.  The  accom 
panying  additional  correspondence  will  show  the  conditions 
fully.  U.  S.  GRANT,  Lieutenant- General. 


THANKS  TO   GENERAL  GEANT  AND  THE  AKMY. 

WAR  DEPARTMENT,  WASHINGTON,  D.  0., ) 
April  9—9-30  P.  M.      j 
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL  GRANT  : 

Thanks  be  to  Almighty  God  for  the  great  victory  with  which 
he  has  this  day  crowned  you  and  the  gallant  Armies  under 
your  command. 

The  thanks  of  this  Department,  and  of  the  Government,  and 
of  the  people  of  the  United  States — their  reverence  and  honor 
have  been  deserved — will  be  rendered  to  you  and  the  brave  and 
gallant  officers  and  soldiers  of  your  army  for  all  time. 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 


LTFE   OF   GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        257 


SALUTES  ORDERED. 

WAR  DEPARTMENT,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  ) 
April  9—10  o'clock  P.  M,       } 

Ordered :  That  a  salute  of  two  hundred  guns  be  fired  at  the 
headquarters  of  every  army  and  department,  and  at  every  post 
and  arsenal  in  the  United  States,  and  at  the  Military  Academy 
at  West  Point,  on  the  day  of  the  receipt  of  this  order,  in  com 
memoration  of  the  surrender  of  General  R.  E.  Lee  and  the 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia  to  Lieutenant-Gene ral  Grant,  and 
the  army  under  his  command  ;  report  of  the  receipt  and  execu 
tion  of  this  order  to  be  made  to  the  Adjutant-General,  Wash 
ington.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 


THE  CORRESPONDENCE 


CMFTON  HOUSE,  Ya.,  A^tL  9,  1865. 
HON.  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War  : 

The  following  correspondence  has  taken  pla**<?  between  Gen 
eral  Lee  and  myself.  There  has  been  no  relaxation  in  the 
pursuit  during  its  pendency. 

U.  S.  GRANT,  Lieutenant-  Oenerai. 


GENERAL  GRANT  TO  GENERAL  LEE. 

April  7,  1865. 
GENERAL  R.  E.  LEE,  Commander  G.  S.  A.: 

GENERAL  :  The  result  of  the  last  week  must  convince  you  of 
the  hopelessness  of  further  resistance  on  the  part  of  the  Army 
of  Northern  Yirginia  in  this  struggle.  I  feel  that  it  is  so,  and 
regard  it  as  my  duty  to  shift  from  myself  the  responsibility  of 
any  further  effusion  of  blood,  by  asking  of  you  the  surrender  of 
that  portion  of  the  C.  S.  army  known  as  the  Army  of  Northern 
Virginia. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

U.  S.  GRANT, 
Lieutenant-Gen.  Commanding  Armies  of  the  United  States. 


258        LIFE   OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 

II. 

GENERAL  LEE  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

April  7,  1865. 

GENERAL  :  I  have  received  your  note  of  this  date.  Though 
not  entirely  of  the  opinion  you  express  of  the  hopelessness  of 
further  resistance  on  the  part  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Vir 
ginia,  I  reciprocate  your  desire  to  avoid  useless  effusion  of  blood, 
and  therefore,  before  considering  your  proposition,  ask  the  terms 
you  will  offer,  on  condition  of  its  surrender. 

R.  E.  LEE,  General. 

To  Lieutenant- General  U.  S.  GRANT,  Commanding  Armies 
of  the  United  States. 

III. 
GENERAL  GRANT  TO   GENERAL  LEE. 

April  8,  1865. 

To  GENERAL  R.  E.  LEE,  Commanding  Confederate  States  Army : 
GENERAL  :    Your  note  of  last  evening,  in  reply  to  mine  of 
same  date,  asking  the  conditions  on  which  I  will  accept  the 
surrender  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  is  just  received. 

In  reply,  I  would  say  that  peace  being  my  first  desire,  there 
is  but  one  condition  that  I  insist  upon,  viz  : 

That  the  men  surrendered  shall  be  disqualified  for  taking  up 
arms  against  the  Government  of  the  United  States  until  pro 
perly  exchanged. 

I  will  meet  you,  or  designate  officers  to  meet  any  officers  you 
may  name  for  the  same  purpose,  at  any  point  agreeable  to  you, 
for  the  purpose  of  arranging  definitely  the  terms  upon  which 
the  surrender  of  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia  will  be  re 
ceived. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

U.  S.  GRANT, 
Lieutenant-Gen.  Commanding  Armies  of  the  United  States. 

IV. 
GENERAL  LEE  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

April  8,  1865. 

GENERAL  :  I  received  at  a  late  hour  your  note  of  to-day  in 
answer  to  mine  of  yesterday. 

I  did  not  intend  to  propose  the  surrender  of  the  Army  of 
Northern  Virginia,  but  to  ask  the  terms  of  your  proposition. 
To  be  frank,  I  do  not  think  the  emergency  has  arisen  to  call 
for  the  surrender.  But  as  the  restoration  of  peace  should  be 
the  sole  object  of  all,  I  desire  to  know  whether  your  proposals 
would  tend  to  that  end. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        259 

I  cannot,  therefore,  meet  you  with  a  view  to  surrender  the 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  but  so  far  as  your  proposition  may 
affect  the  Confederate  States  forces  under  my  command,  and 
lead  to  the  restoration  of  peace,  I  should  be  pleased  to  meet 
you  at  ten  A.  M.,  to-morrow,  on  the  old  stage-road  to 
Richmond,  between  the  picket  lines  of  the  two  Armies. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

R.  E.  LEE,  General  Confederate  States  Armies. 
To  Lieutenant- General  GRANT,  Commanding  Armies  of  the 
United  States. 

Y. 
GENERAL  GRANT  TO  GENERAL  LEE. 

April  9,  1865 

GENERAL  R.  E.  LEE,  Commanding  C.  S.  A. : 

GENERAL  :  Your  note  of  yesterday  is  received.  As  I  have  no 
authority  to  treat  on  the  subject  of  peace,  the  meeting  proposed 
for  ten  A.  M.,  to  day,  could  lead  to  no  good.  I  will  state, 
however,  General,  that  I  am  equally  anxious  for  peace  with 
yourself;  and  the  whole  North  entertain  the  same  feeling. 
The  terms  upon  which  peace  can  be  had  are  well  understood. 
By  the  South  laying  down  their  arms  they  will  hasten  that 
most  desirable  event,  save  thousands  of  human  lives,  and  hun 
dreds  of  millions  of  property  not  yet  destroyed. 

Sincerely  hoping  that  all  our  difficulties  may  be  settled  with 
out  the  loss  of  another  life,  I  subscribe  myself, 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

U.  S.  GRANT,  Lieutenant-General  U.  S.  A. 

YI. 
GENERAL  LEE  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

April  9,  1865. 

GENERAL  :  I  received  your  note  of  this  morning  on  the 
picket  line,  whither  I  had  come  to  meet  you  and  ascertain  de 
finitely  what  terms  were  embraced  in  your  proposition  of  yes- 
terday  with  reference  to  the  surrender  of  this  army. 

I  now  request  an  interview  in  accordance  with  the  offer  con 
tained  in  your  letter  of  yesterday  for  that  purpose. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  E.  LEE,  General 

To  Lieutenant-General  GRANT,  Commanding  United  States 
Armies. 


260        LIFE    OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT. 


GENERAL  GRANT  TO  GENERAL  LEE. 

April  9,  1865. 
GENERAL  R.  E.  LEE,  Commanding  Confederate  States  Armies  : 

Your  note  of  this  date  is  but  this  moment  (11.50  A.  M.)  re- 
ceived. 

In  consequence  of  my  having  passed  from  the  Richmond  and 
Lynchburg  road  to  the  Farmville  and  Lynchburg  road,  I  am 
at  this  writing  about  four  miles  west  of  Walter's  Church,  and 
will  push  forward  to  the  front  for  the  purpose  of  meeting  you. 

Notice  sent  to  me  on  this  road  where  you  wish  the  interview 
to  take  place  will  meet  me. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

U.  S.  GRANT,  Lieutenant-General. 


THE  TERMS, 

APPOMATTOX  COURT-HOUSE,  April  9,  1865. 
GENERAL  R.  E.  LEE,  Commanding  C.  S.  A. : 

In  accordance  with  the  substance  of  my  letter  to  you  of  the 
eighth  instant,  I  propose  to  receive  the  surrender  of  the  Army 
of  Northern  Virginia,  on  the  following  terms,  to  wit : 

Rolls  of  all  the  officers  and  men  to  be  made  in  duplicate,  one 
copy  to  be  given  to  an  officer  designated  by  me,  the  other  to  be 
retained  by  such  officers  as  you  may  designate. 

The  officers  to  give  their  individual  paroles  not  to  take  arms 
against  the  United  States  until  properly  exchanged,  and  each 
company  or  regimental  commander  sign  a  like  parole  for  the 
men  of  their  commands. 

The  arms,  artillery  and  public  property  to  be  packed  and 
stacked,  and  turned  over  to  the  officers  appointed  by  me  to  re 
ceive  them.  This  will  not  embrace  the  side-arms  of  the  officers, 
nor  their  private  horses  or  baggage. 

This  done,  each  officer  and  man  will  be  allowed  to  return  to 
their  homes,  not  to  be  disturbed  by  United  States  authority  so 
long  as  they  observe  their  parole  and  the  laws  in  force  where 
they  may  reside. 

Very  respectfully, 

U.  S.  GRANT,  Lieutenant- General. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.   GRANT.        26>1 


THE   SURRENDER, 

HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMY  OF  NORTHERN  VIRGINIA,  1 
April  9,  1865,  j 

LIEUTENANT-GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT,  Commanding  U.  S.  A.  : 

GENERAL  :  I  have  received  your  letter  of  this  date,  contain 
ing  the  terms  of  surrender  of  the  army  of  Northern  Virginia, 
as  proposed  by  you ;  as  they  are  substantially  the  same  as  those 
expressed  in  your  letter  of  the  eighth  instant,  they  are  accepted. 
I  will  proceed  to  designate  the  proper  officers  to  carry  the  stipu 
lations  into  effect. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  E.  LEE,  General. 


LEE'S    ENTIRE    LOSSES. 

In  the  battles  around  Petersburg  and  in  the  pursuit, 
LEE  lost  over  ten  thousand  men  in  killed  and  wounded, 
and  twenty  thousand  men  in  prisoners  and  deserters,  in 
cluding  those  taken  in  battle,  and  those  picked  up  in 
pursuit ;  including  all  arms  of  the  service,  teamsters,  hos 
pital  force,  and  everything,  from  sixteen  to  eighteen 
thousand  men  werte  surrendered  by  LEE.  As  only  fif 
teen  thousand  muskets  and  about  thirty  pieces  of  artil 
lery  were  surrendered,  the  available  fighting  force  could 
hardly  have  reached  much  above  fifteen  or  twenty  thou 
sand  men.  Our  total  captures  of  artillery  during  the  bat 
tles  and  pursuit,  and  at  the  surrender,  amounted  to  about 
one  hundred  and  seventy  guns.  Three  or  four  hundred 
wagons  were  also  surrendered. 

In  the  agreement  for  surrender,  the  officers  gave  their 
own  paroles,  and  each  officer  gave  his  parole  for  the  men 
within  his  command.  The  following  is  the  form  of  the 
personal  parole  of  officers,  copied  from  the  original  docu 
ment  given  by  LEE  and  a  portion  of  his  staff: 

"We,  the  undersigned,  prisoners  of  war  belonging  to  the 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia,  having  been  this  day  surrendered 
by  General  R.  E.  LEE,  commanding  said  army,  to  Lieutenant- 


262        LIFE   OF    GENERAL     ULYSSES    S.    GRANT. 

General  GRANT,  commanding  the  Armies  of  the  United  States, 
do  hereby  give  our  solemn  parole  of  honor  that  we  will  not 
hereafter  serve  in  the  armies  of  the  Confederate  States,  or  in 
any  military  capacity  whatever,  against  the  United  States  of 
America,  or  render  aid  to  the  enemies  of  the  latter  until  pro 
perly  exchanged  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  mutually  approved 
by  the  respective  authorities. 

'  E.  E.  LEE,  General. 

1 W.  H.  TAYLOR,  Lieutenant- Colonel  and  A.  A.  G. 

'CHAS.  S.  VENABLE,  Lieutenant- Colonel  and  A.  A.  G. 

1  CHAS.  MARSHALL,  Lieutenant- Colonel  and  A.  A.  G. 

'H.  E.  P  RATON.  Lieutenant- Colonel  and  Ins.- General. 

1  GILES  BOOKE,  Major  and  A.  A.  Surgeon- General. 

<H.  S.  YOUNG,  A.  A.  General. 

11  Done  at  Appomattox  Court  House,  Va.,  this  ninth  ($th)  day 
of  April,  1865." 

The  parole  is  the  same  given  by  all  officers,  and  is 
countersigned  as  follows : 

"  The  above-named  officers  will  not  be  disturbed  by  United 
States  authorities  as  long  as  they  observe  their  parole,  and  the 
laws  in  force  where  they  may  reside. 

"  GEORGE  H.  SHARP,  General  Assist.  Provost-Marshal." 

The  obligation  of  officers  for  tho  subdivisions  under 
their  command  is  in  form  as  follows : 

"  I,  the  undersigned,  commanding  officer  of ,  do,  for  the 

within-named  prisoners  of  war,  belonging  to  the  Army  of  North 
ern  Yirginia,  who  have  been  this  day  surrendered  by  General 
ROBERT  E.  LEE,  Confederate  States  Army,  commanding  said 
army,  to  Lieutenant-General  GRANT,  commanding  Armies  of  the 
United  States,  hereby  give  my  solemn  parole  of  honor  that  the 
within-named  shall  not  hereafter  serve  in  the  Armies  of  the 
Confederate  States,  or  in  military  or  any  capacity  whatever 
against  the  United  States  of  America,  or  render  aid  to  the  ene 
mies  of  the  latter,  until  properly  exchanged  in  such  manner  as 
shall  be  mutually  approved  by  the  respective  authorities. 

"  Done  at  Appomattox  Court  House,  Va.,  this  ninth  day  of 
April,  1865. 

"  The  within-named  will  not  be  disturbed  by  the  United 
States  authorities  so  long  as  they  observe  their  parole  and  the 
laws  in  force  where  they  may  reside." 

The  surrender  of  LEE  was  followed  by  the  voluntary 
surrender  of  most  of  the  regular  troops  of  the  enemy  in 
the  Shenandoah. 


LIFE   OF   GKNEBAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.          263 

GENERAL  GRANT'S  MOVEMENTS  AFTER  THE 
SURRENDER. 

General  GRANT  never  makes  an  unnecessary  delay. 
The  terms  of  the  surrender  having  been  arranged,  he  im 
mediately  left  the  army  for  Washington,  without  turning 
aside  to  visit  the  fallen  Capital,  or  pausing  longer  by  the 
way  than  was  requisite  for  refreshment.  On  the  13th  of 
April,  1865,  he  reached  Washington,  established  his  head 
quarters,  and  went  direct  to  the  War  Department,  where 
he  met  the  President  and  Secretary  STANTON.  He  repre 
sented  to  them  that  the  Rebellion  was  virtually  at  an  end, 
and  that  the  Government  should  at  once  commence  cut 
ting  down  its  expenses.  That  evening  the  Secretary 
telegraphed  the  following  important  despatch  northward, 
the  first  despatch  that  bore  to  the  nation  the  welcome 
news,  that  peace  was  at  hand. 

STOPPING    THE    DRAFT. 

""WAR  DEPARTMENT,      1 
"  WASHINGTON,  April  I3th,— 6  P.  M.  j 
•  To  MAJOR-GENERAL  Dix,  New  York : — 

"  The  Department,  after  mature  consideration  and  consulta 
tion  with  the  Lieutenant-General  upon  the  results-  of  the  recent 
campaign,  has  come  to  the  following  determinations,  which 
will  be  carried  into  effect  by  appropriate  orders  to  be  imme 
diately  issued. 

"First. — To  stop  all  drafting  and  recruiting  in  the  loyal 
States. 

"  Second. — To  curtail  purchases  for  arms,  ammunition,  quar 
termaster  and  commissary  supplies,  and  reduce  the  military 
establishment  in  its  several  branches. 

'•  Third. — To  reduce  the  number  of  general  and  staff  officers 
to  the  actual  necessities  of  the  service. 

"  Fourth. — To  remove  all  military  restrictions  upon  trade 
and  commerce,  so  far  as  may  be  consistent  with  public  safety. 

"  As  soon  as  these  measures  can  be  put  in  operation  it  will 
be  made  known  by  public  order. 

"  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War." 

General    GRANT  remained   at  Washington,  aiding   the 


264         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

Government  with  his  counsels,  and  using  every  effort  to 
reduce  the  expenses  of  the  military  departments. 

GENERAL    GRANT     GOES    NORTH     TO    VISIT 
HIS    FAMILY. 

It  was  announced  in  the  Washington  morning  papers  of 
April  14th,  that  General  GRANT  would  accompany  Presi 
dent  LINCOLN  to  Ford's  Theatre  in  the  evening,  bat  the 
General  had  made  arrangements  to  run  north  and  visit  his 
family,  that  day,  so  that  he  was  not  present  when  Mr. 
LINCOLN  was  assassinated.  The  evidence  adduced  at  the 
trial  of  PAYNE  and  his  associate  conspirators  clearly 
proved  that  it  was  their  design  to  murder  General  GRANT 
during  the  evening.  The  dagger  which  BOOTH  flourished 
was  undoubtedly  intended  for  GRANT.  Providence  did 
not  permit  the  crime,  and  although  the  nation's  beloved 
President  was  martyred,  GRANT  was  spared  to  his 
country.  On  learning  of  the  assassination  of  President 
Lincoln,  he  at  once  returned  to  Washington,  and  was 
present  at  the  funeral  of  his  noble  friend,  and  formed  one 
of  the  mourners  who  followed  the  remains  to  the  Capitol 
on  the  19th  of  April,  1865. 

GRANT  LEAVES  WASHINGTON  FOR  RALEIGH, 
NORTH    CAROLINA. 

Shortly  after,  the  terms  which  SHERMAN  granted  to 
JOHNSTON  were  received.  The  President,  Cabinet,  and  the 
Lieuten ant-General  repudiated  the  arrangement  promptly, 
and  GRANT  left  Washington  the  same  day  for  SHERMAN'S 
army,  arriving  at  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  on  the  24th 
of  April.  He  apprised  SHERMAN  of  the  fact  that  his 
agreement  with  JOHNSTON  was  disapproved  of,  not  only 
by  the  National  authorities,  but  by  himself,  and  SHERMAN 
at  once  notified  JOHNSTON  of  the  non-acceptance  by  the 
Government  of  the  old  terms,  and,  later,  demanded  his 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL  ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.         265 

surrender  on  the  terms  accorded  to  LEE.  On  the  25th, 
JOHNSTON  replied,  and,  on  the  26th,  the  surrender  was 
made  in  an  interview  between  SHERMAN  and  JOHNSTON  at 
Durham  Station. 

General  GRANT  telegraphed  the  news  to  the  War  Depart 
ment  from  Raleigh,  on  April  26th,  as  follows  :  "  JOHNSTON 
Burrendered  the  forces  in  his  command,  embracing  all 
from  here  to  Chattahoochee,  to  General  SHERMAN,  on 
the  basis  agreed  upon  between  LEE  and  myself  for  the 
Army  of  Northern  Virginia." 

Next  to  LEE'S  army,  JOHNSTON'S  was  the  most  powerful 
force  the  Rebellion  had  in  the  field,  and  with  its  fall,  fell 
the  last  slender  hope  which  DAVIS  yet  entertained  of 
making  headway  against  the  Armies  of  the  Union. 

GENERAL    GRANT    RETURNS    TO    WASHING 
TON,    FROM    RALEIGH. 

In  a  few  days  afterward,  General  GRANT  was  again  at 
his  headquarters  in  Washington,  and,  on  the  28th  of  April, 
the  following  order  was  issued  by  the  War  Department, 
and  at  the  same  time  the  several  corps,  composing  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  were  ordered  to  march  via  Rich 
mond  to  Washington,  where  they  were  to  be  reviewed, 
before  their  final  disbandment : 

IMPORTANT  ORDER  OF  THE  WAR  DEPART 
MENT,  REDUCING  THE  EXPENSES  OF  THE 
MILITARY  ESTABLISHMENT. 

"  WAR  DEPARTMENT.  ADJUTANT  GENERAL'S  OFFICE,  ) 
"  WASHINGTON,  April  28&,  1865.      j 

"  GENERAL  ORDER  No.  77, 
"  For  reducing  the  expenses  of  the  Military  Department. 

"  Ordered,  First — That  the  chiefs  of  the  respective  bureaus 
of  this  department  proceed  immediately  to  reduce  the  expenses 
of  their  respective  departments  to  what  is  absolutely  necessary, 
in  view  of  an  immediate  reduction  of  the  forces  in  the  field  and 
garrisons,  and  the  speedy  termination  of  hostilities,  and  that 


266         LIFE   OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

they  severally  make  out  statements  of  the  reductions  they  deem 
practicable. 

"Second — That  the  Quartermaster-General  discharge  all  ocean 
transports  not  required  to  bring  home  troops  in  remote  depart 
ments.  All  river  and  inland  transportation  will  be  discharged 
except  that  required  for  the  necessary  supplies  of  troops  in  the 
field.  Purchases  of  horses,  mules,  wagons,  and  other  land  trans 
portation  will  be  stopped  ;  also  purchases  of  forage,  except 
what  is  required  for  immediate  consumption.  All  purchases 
for  railroad  construction  and  transportation  will  also  be  stopped. 

''Third — That  the  Commissary  General  of  Subsistence  stop 
the  purchase  of  supplies  in  his  department  for  such  as  may, 
with  what  is  on  hand,  be  required  for  the.  forces  in  the  field  to 
the  1st  of  June  next. 

"Fourth — That  the  Chief  of  Ordnance  stop  all  purchase  of 
arms,  ammunition  and  material  therefor,  and  reduce  the  manu 
facturing  of  arms  and  ordnance  stores  in  government  arsenals 
as  rapidly  as  can  be  done  without  injury  to  the  service. 

"Fifth— Th&t  the  Chief  of  Engineers  stop  work  on  all  field 
fortifications  and  other  works,  except  those  for  which  specific 
appropriations  have  been  made  by  Congress  for  completion,  or 
that  may  be  required  for  the  proper  protection  of  works  in 
progress. 

"Sixth — That  all  soldiers  in  hospitals  who  require  no  further 
medical  treatment,  be  honorably  discharged  from  service,  with 
immediate  payment.  All  officers  and  enlisted  men  who  have 
been  prisoners  of  war  and  are  now  on  furlough  or  at  parole 
camps,  and  all  recruits  in  rendezvous,  except  those  for  the  reg 
ular  army,  will  be  likewise  honorably  discharged.  Officers  whose 
duty  it  is  under  the  regulations  of  the  service  to  make  out  rolls 
and  other  final  papers  connected  with  the  final  discharge  and 
payment  of  soldiers,  are  directed  to  make  payment  without 
delay^,  so  that  the  order  may  be  carried  into  effect  immediately. 

"Seventh — The  Adjutant-General  of  the  army  will  cause  im 
mediate  returns  to  be  made  by  all  commanders  in  the  field, 
garrisons,  detachments  and  forts,  of  their  respective  forces, 
with  a  view  to  their  immediate  reduction. 

"Eighth — The  Quartermasters  of  Subsistence,  Ordnance, 
Engineers,  and  Provost  Marshal  General's  Departments,  will 
reduce  the  number  of  clerks  and  employees  to  that  absolutely 
required  for  closing  the  business  of  their  respective  Depart 
ments,  and  will,  without  delay,  report  to  the  Secretary  of  War 
the  number  acquired  of  each  class  or  grade.  The  Surgeon- 
General  will  make  a  similar  reduction  of  surgeons,  nurses,  and 
attendants  in  his  bureau. 

"Ninth — The  chiefs  of  the  respective  bureaus  will  immediately 
cause  proper  returns  to  be  made  out  of  public  property  in  their 
charge,  and  a  statement  of  property  in  each  that  may  be  sold 
upon  advertisement  Snd  public  sale,  without  prejudice  to  the 
service. 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT.          267 

"Tenth — That  the  Commissary  of  prisoners  will  have  rolls 
made  out,  of  the  name,  residence,  time  and  place  of  capture, 
and  occupation  of  all  prisoners  of  war  who  will  take  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  the  United  States,  to  the  end  that  such  as  are 
disposed  to  become  good  and  loyal  citizens  of  'the  United 
States,  and  who  are  proper  objects  of  Executive  clemency,  may 
be  relieved  upon  terms  that  the  President  shall  deem  fit  and 
consistent  with  the  public  safety. 

"By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 

"  W.  A.  NICHOLS,  A.  A.  G. 

(i  Official.—  Tnos.  M.  VINCENT,  A.  A.  G." 

THE  REBEL  FORCES  IN  ALABAMA,  MISSIS 
SIPPI,  AND  EAST  LOUISIANA,  SURRENDER 
TO  GENERAL  CANBY. 

On  the  4th  of  May,  1865,  General  RICHARD  TAYLOR, 
commanding  the  rebel  forces  in  Alabama,  Mississippi,  and 
East  Louisiana,  surrendered  to  Major-General  CANBY, 
and  this  closed  up  our  account  with  the  rebels  east  of  the 
Mississippi  river. 

GENERAL  SHERIDAN  GOES  TO  NEW  OR 
LEANS.— SURRENDER  OP  KIRBY  SMITH. 

Beyond  the  Mississippi,  KIRBY  SMITH  exhibited  a  deter 
mination  to  hold  out  and  prolong  the  war.  General  GRANT 
resolved  to  use  efficient  measures  to  bring  him  also  to 
terms,  and  a  powerful  expedition  was  fitted  out  at 
Fortress  Monroe,  and  Major-General  PHILIP  SHERIDAN 
was  assigned  to  its  command.  The  General  proceeded 
forthwith  by  way  of  the  Mississippi  river  to  New 
Orleans,  but  before  reaching  that  point,  SMITH  had  heard 
of  the  surrender  of  LEE,  JOHNSTON,  and  TAYLOR,  and  he 
too  accepted  the  terms  granted  to  LEE,  and  surrendered 
the  forces  under  his  command. 

CLOSE    OP    THE    WAR. 

There  was  no  longer  a  doubt  but  that  the  fierce  and 
bloody  war  which  for  four  years  had  desolated  the  south 
ern   land,  and  filled  almost  every  household  throughout 
the  entire  country  with   mourning,  had  terminated.     It 
17 


268         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

terminated  with  honor  to  the  Union.  Our  free  institutions 
were  permanently  established.  Slavery,  the  curse,  had 
gone  down,  crushed  forever,  by  the  madness  of  the  very  men 
who  were  its  supporters  and  who  commenced  the  war  for 
the  avowed  purpose  of  perpetuating  human  bondage  on  the 
American  continent.  A  thousand  sanguinary  battles 
attested  the  valor  and  patriotism  of  the  Northern  and 
Western  States,  and  though  defeats  were  frequently 
experienced,  they  served  only  to  make  stronger  the 
brave  arms  which  were  ultimately  to  win  enduring 
renown  and  restore  peace  and  harmony  to  the  nation. 

PRESENTATION     TO    GENERAL    GRANT   OF   A 
MANSION   IN    PHILADELPHIA. 

General  GRANT'S  modesty  is  proverbial,  and  since  the 
conclusion  of  the  war  he  has  declined  all  invitations  to 
speak  at  receptions,  reviews,  or  serenades. 

A  number  of  public  spirited  gentlemen  of  Philadelphia 
purchased  a  magnificent  mansion  on  West  Chestnut  street, 
in  that  city,  and  presented  it  to  the  General  on  May  3d,  1865. 
The  house  was  elegantly  furnished  from  cellar  to  attic, 
and  the  larders  were  amply  stocked  with  the  best  of  every 
thing,  the  whole  costing  over  fifty  thousand  dollars.  The 
presentation  was  made  quietly  and  without  ostentation, 
the  General  and  lady  and  family  being  present.  In  a 
few  words  he  expressed  to  the  Committee  his  gratitude 
for  their  princely  gift,  his  manner  proving  more  conclu 
sively  than  his  utterance,  that  his  heart  fully  appreciated 
the  handsome  and  substantial  compliment  which  his 
friends  and  admirers  conferred  upon  him. 

ANOTHER    PRESENT    TO    LIEUTENANT- 
GENERAL  GRANT. 

On  the  20th  of  July,  1865,  General  Grant  was  presented 
with  a  magnificently  bound  copy  of  Webster's  Unabridged 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT.          269 

Dictionary.     On  the  covers  were  printed  in  gilt  letters 
the  following  legends : 

"  Lieutenant-General  Ulysses  Simpson  Grant." 

"  I  propose  to  move  immediately  on  your  works." 

"I  propose  to  fight  it  out  on  this  line,  if  it  takes  all  summer." 

GENERAL  GRANT'S  NORTHERN  TOUR. 

On  the  25th  of  July,  1865,  General  Grant  started  on  a 
tour  of  inspection  and  pleasure,  through  the  Northern 
and  Western  States,  and  was  received  in  a  most  flatter 
ing  manner  everywhere. 

At  Boston  he  was  introduced  to  the  people  by  Mayor 
Lincoln,  and  made  the  following  brief  speech  : 

"  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  : — I  would  like  to  shake  you  all  by  the 
hand,  but  I  find  that  it  would  be  impossible.  I  thank  you  for 
your  reception  and  your  kindness,  and  bid  you  good  afternoon." 

On  the  5th  of  August,  he  arrived  at  Quebec,  Canada, 
where  Governor- General  Doyle  awarded  him  distinguished 
honors. 

From  Canada  he  passed  into  the  north-western  States, 
and  paid  a  visit  to  his  home  at  Galena,  Illinois,  where  he 
spent  several  days. 

On  the  15th  of  September,  he  visited  St.  Louis,  and 
stopped  a  week  with  the  father  of  Mrs.  Grant,  General 
Dent,  for  some  years  a  member  of  his  personal  staff. 
Subsequently,  at  Cincinnati,  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Phila 
delphia,  Pittsburgh,  Harrisburg,  and  Burlington,  New 
Jersey,  ovations  were  tendered  to  the  distinguished  chief 
tain. 

He  arrived  back  at  his  head-quarters  at  Washington,  on 
the  6th  of  October,  and  had  a  prolonged  interview  with 
President  Johnson  and  Secretary  Stanton,  on  the  condi 
tion  of  the  army,  and  the  state  of  the  country.  He  after 
wards  visited  Philadelphia  to  see  his  wife  and  children, 
returning  to  Washington  on  the  24th  of  October. 


270         LIFE   OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

PUBLIC  RECEPTION  IN  NEW  YORK. 

On  the  18th  of  November,  1865,  General  Grant  visited 
New  York  city,  and  was  tendered  a  public  reception  by 
A.  T.  Stewart,  and  all  of  the  prominent  men  of  that  city, 
which  reception  was  accepted  and  took  place  at  the  Fifth 
Avenue  Hotel,  on  the  20th  of  the  month.  Speeches  of 
welcome  and  honor  were  made  by  Hons.  Horace  Greeley, 
James  Brooks,  Manton  Marble,  Henry  Ward  Beecher, 
John  T.  Hoffman,  and  many  others.  General  Grant  made 
no  speech,  but  personally  thanked  his  friends  and  ad 
mirers  for  their  kindness.  He  next  proceeded  for  several 
days  to  visit  all  of  the  public  institutions. 

In  the  latter  part  of  November,  he  visited  Richmond, 
Yirgiuia,  and  thence  proceeded  south,  having  previously 
handed  to  Mr.  Johnson,  his  masterly  report  of  the  last 
days  of  the  war  for  the  Union,  in  which  he  embraced  the 
correspondence  relative  to  the  surrender  of  the  Rebel  ar 
mies  under  Generals  Lee  and  Johnston,  and  a  succinct 
account  of  the  breaking  up  of  the  Southern  Confederacy, 
arrest  of  Jefferson  Davis,  etc 

GENERAL  GRANT'S  REPORT  ON  THE  CON 
DITION  OF  THE  SOUTH. 

This  document  was  brief  and  pointed,  and  bears  the 
date  of  December  18th,  1865.  His  conclusions  are  given  as 
follows  : 

"  The  following  are  the  conclusions  come  to  by  me  : — I  am 
satisfied  that  the  mass  of  thinking  men  of  the  South  accept  the 
present  situation  of  affairs  in  good  faith.  The  questions  which 
have  heretofore  divided  the  sentiments  of  the  people  of  the  two 
sections,  slavery  and  State  rights,  or  the  right  of  a  State  to 
secede  from  the  Union,  they  regard  as  having  been  settled  for 
ever  by  the  highest  tribunal,  arms,  that  man  can  resort  to.  I 
was  pleased  to  learn  from  the  leading  men  whom  I  met,  that 
they  not  only  accepted  the  decision  arrived  at  as  final,  but 
now  that  the  smoke  of  battle  has  cleared  away  and  time  has 
been  given  for  reflection,  this  decision  has  been  a  fortunate  one 


LIFE   OP   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.    GRANT.         271 

for  the  whole  country,  they  receiving  the  like  benefits  from  it 
with  those  who  opposed  them  in  the  field  and  in  the  council. 

"  Four  years  of  war,  during  which  the  law  was  executed  only 
at  the  point  of  the  bayonet  throughout  the  States  in  Rebellion, 
have  left  the  people  possibly  in  a  condition  not  to  yield  that 
ready  obedience  to  civil  authority  the  American  people  have 
generally  been  in  the  habit  of  yielding.  This  would  render  the 
presence  of  small  garrisons  throughout  those  States  necessary 
until  such  time  as  labor  returns  to  its  proper  channel,  and  civil 
authority  is  fully  established.  I  did  not  meet  any  one,  either 
those  holding  places  under  the  Government,  or  citizens  of  the 
Southern  States,  who  think  it  practicable  to  withdraw  the 
military  from  the  South  at  present.  The  white  and  the  black 
mutually  require  the  protection  of  the  General  Government. 
There  is  such  universal  acquiescence  in  the  authority  of  the 
General  Government  throughout  the  portion  of  the  country 
yisited  by  me,  that  the  mere  presence  of  a  military  force,  with 
out  regard  to  numbers,  is  sufficient  to  maintain  order. 

"  The  good  of  the  country  and  economy  require  the  force  kept 
in  the  interior,  where  there  are  many  freedmen.  Elsewhere  in 
the  Southern  States  than  at  forts  upon  the  sea  coast  no  force 
is  necessary.  They  should  all  be  white  troops.  The  reasons 
for  this  are  obvious,  without  mentioning  many  of  them.  The 
presence  of  black  troops,  lately  slaves,  demoralizes  labor,  both 
by  their  advice  and  by  furnishing  in  their  camps  a  resort  for  the 
freedmen  for  long  distances  around.  White  troops  generally 
excite  no  opposition,  and  therefore  a  small  number  of  them  can 
maintain  order  in  a  given  district.  Colored  troops  must  be 
kept  in  bodies  sufficient  to  defend  themselves.  It  is  not  the 
thinking  portion  who  would  use  violence  towards  any  class  of 
troops  sent  among  them  by  the  General  Government,  but  the 
ignorant  in  some  places  might,  and  the  late  slave  seems  to  be 
imbued  with  the  idea  that  the  property  of  his  late  master 
should  by  right  belong  to  him :  at  least  should  have  no  protec 
tion  from  the  colored  soldier.  There  is  danger  of  collision 
being  brought  on  by  such  causes. 

"My  observations  lead  me  to  the  conclusion  that  the  citizens 
of  the  Southern  States  are  anxious  to  return  to  self-government 
within  the  Union  as  soon  as  possible.  That  whilst  reconstruct 
ing  they  want  and  require  the  protection  from  the  Govern 
ment  that  they  think  is  required  by  the  Government,  not 
humiliating  to  them  as  citizens,  and  that  if  such  a  course  was 
pointed  out  they  would  pursue  it  in  good  faith.  It  is  to  be 
regretted  that  there  cannot  be  a  greater  commingling  at  this 
time  between  the  citizens  of  the  two  sections,  and  particularly 
of  those  intrusted  with  the  law  making  power. 

"  I  did  not  give  the  operations  of  the  Freedmen's  Bureau  that 
attention  I  would  have  done  if  more  time  had  been  at  my 
disposal.  Conversations  on  the  subject,  however,  with  officers 


272         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

connected  with  the  Bureau,  led  me  to  think  that  in  some  of  the 
States  its  affairs  have  not  been  conducted  with  good  judgment 
or  economy,  and  that  the  belief  widely  spread  among  the  freed- 
men  of  the  Southern  States,  that  the  lands  of  their  former 
owner  will,  at  least  in  part,  be  divided  among  them,  has  come 
from  the  agents  of  this  Bureau.  This  belief  is  seriously 
interfering  with  the  willingness  of  the  freedmen  to  make  con 
tracts  for  the  coming  year. 

"  In  some  form  the  Freedmen's  Bureau  is  an  absolute  necessity 
until  civil  law  is  established  and  enforced,  securing  to  the  freed 
men  their  rights  and  full  protection.  At  present,  however,  it 
is  independent  of  the  military  establishment  of  the  country, 
and  seems  to  be  operated  by  the  different  agents  of  the  Bureau 
according  to  their  individual  notions.  Everywhere,  Gen.  How 
ard,  the  able  head  of  the  Bureau,  made  friends  by  the  just  and 
fair  instructions  and  advice  he  gave ;  but  the  complaint  in 
South  Carolina  was  that  when  he  left,  things  went  on  as  before. 
Many,  perhaps  the  majority,  of  the  agents  of  the  Freedmen's 
Bureau  advise  the  freedmen  that  by  their  own  industry  they 
must  expect  to  live.'  To  this  end  they  endeavor  to  secure 
employment  for  them,  and  to  see  that  both  contracting  parties 
comply  with  their  engagements. 

"  In  some  instances,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  the  freedman's  mind 
does  not  seem  to  be  disabused  of  the  idea  that  the  freedman 
has  the  right  to  live  without  care  or  provision  for  the  future. 
The  effect  of  the  belief  in  the  division  of  lands  is  idleness 
and  accumulation  in  camps,  towns  and  cities.  In  such  cases  I 
think  it  will  be  found  that  vice  and  disease  will  tend  to  the 
extermination  or  great  reduction  of  the  colored  race.  It  can 
not  be  expected  that  the  opinions  held  by  men  at  the  South 
for  years  can  be  changed  in  a  day,  and  therefore  the  freedmen 
require  for  a  few  years  not  only  laws  to  protect  them,  but  the 
fostering  care  of  those  who  will  give  them  good  counsel,  and 
on  whom  they  rely.  The  Freedmen's  Bureau  being  separated 
from  the  military  establishment  of  the  country,  requires  all  the 
expense  of  a  separate  organization.  One  does  not  necessarily 
know  what  the  other  is  doing,  or  what  order  they  are  acting 
under. 

"  It  seems  to  me  this  could  be  corrected  by  regarding  every 
officer  on  duty  with  troops  in  the  Southern  States  as  agent  of 
the  Freedmen's  Bureau,  and  then  have  all  orders  from  the  head 
of  the  Bureau  sent  through  department  commanders.  This 
would  create  a  responsibility  that  would  secure  uniformity  of 
action  throughout  the  South,  would  insure  the  orders  and  in 
structions  from  the  head  of  the  Bureau  being  carried  out,  and 
would  relieve  from  duty  and  pay  a  large  number  of  employees 
of  the  Government.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 
your  obedient  servant, 

"U.  S.  GRANT,  Lieutenant-Gencral. 


•    LIFE  OF  GENERAL  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT.     273 

PEOTECTION  OF  OUR  SOLDIERS  IN  THE 
SOUTH; 

On  the  12th  of  January,  1866,  General  Grant  issued 
his  famous  order  directing  that  no  officer  of  the  army 
should  be  sued,  tried  or  punished  in  any  way  by  a  civil 
court  for  acts  done  during  or  since  the  rebellion.  Any 
complaints  made  against  officers  could  be  lodged  with  the 
commanders  of  districts  alone.  This  order  created  quite 
an  excitement  throughout  the  South,  but  its  wisdom  has 
never  been  doubted. 

GRANT    REFUSES  TO   HAVE   THE    SOUTHERN 
MILITIA   ARMED. 

When  General  Grant  was  applied  to  by  Governor  Par 
sons,  of  Alabama,  for  permission  to  re-organize  the  militia 
of  that  State,  and  have  the  same  armed  and  equipped,  the 
authority  to  do  so  was  refused.  General  Grant  said  he 
"  could  not  see  the  propriety  of  putting  arms  in  the  hands 
of  the  militia  until  the  rights  of  all  classes  of  citizens 
should  be  perfectly  secure,  and  the  regular  United  States 
forces  withdrawn." 

ECONOMY  IN  THE  ARMY. 

During  the  year  1866,  General  Grant  issued  several 
orders  to  the  various  general  officers  of  the  army,  instruct 
ing  them  to  reduce  expenses  wherever  practicable,  and 
to  report  any  regiment  or  company  of  men  that  could  be 
spared  and  mustered  out  of  service.  In  this  praiseworthy 
and  patriotic  effort,  the  (then)  Lieutenant-General  was 
seconded  promptly  by  Generals  Sherman,  Thomas,  Meade, 
and  Sheridan,  and  nearly  all  the  prominent  statesmen, 
soldiers,  and  public  men  of  the  country. 

DEATH  OF  GENERAL  WINFIELD  SCOTT. 

Brevet  Lieutenant-General  Winfield  Scott  died  on  the 
29th  of  May,  1866,  and  on  the  day  following,  General  Grant 


274         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

issued  an  order  embracing  the  following  graceful  notice  of 
that  stern  old  warrior  : 

"  His  history  is  a  part  of  the  history  of  the  country.  It  is  al 
most  needless  to  recall  it  to  those  who  have  venerated  him  so 
long.  Entering  the  army  as  a  captain  in  1808,  at  the  close  of 
the  war  1812-14  he  had  already,  by  the  force  of  merit,  won  his 
way  to  the  rank  of  brevet  major-general.  In  1841,  Major-Gerieral 
Scott  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  army.  In  the 
spring  of  1847,  the  Mexican  war  having  already  began,  he 
commenced,  as  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  army  in  Mexico,  the 
execution  of  a  plan  of  campaign,  the  success  of  which  was  as 
complete  as  its  conception  was  bold,  and  which  established  his 
reputation  as  one  of  the  first  soldiers  of  his  age. 

"A  grateful  country  conferred  on  him,  in  1855,  the  rank  of 
Brevet  Lieuten ant-General,  as  a  token  of  its  estimate  of  his 
brilliant  services.  As  the  vigor  of  his  life,  whether  in  peace 
or  in  war,  had  been  devoted  to  the  service  of  the  country  he 
loved  so  well,  so  in  his  age,  his  country  gave  to  him  in  return 
that  veneration,  reverence  and  esteem  which,  won  by  a  few,  is 
the  highest  reward  a  nation  can  give.  Of  most  commanding 
presence,  writh  a  mind  of  great  breadth  and  vigor,  pure  in  life, 
his  memory  will  never  fade  from  the  minds  of  those  who  have 
reverenced  him  so  long." 

General  Grant,  a  few  days  after,  attended  the  funeral 
of  General  Winfield  Scott,  at  West  Point,  accompanied  by 
his  personal  staff. 

GRANT  IS  MADE  GENERAL. 

On  the  25th  day  of  July,  1866,  the  name  of  Lieutenant- 
General  Grant  was  presented  to  the  Senate  by  President 
Andrew  Johnson  to  fill  the  highest  office  ever  created  for 
our  army,  that  of  General,  a  rank  made  especially  by  Con 
gress  as  a  compliment  to  Grant.  The  appointment  was 
unanimously  confirmed,  and  the  commission  was  at  once 
issued.  At  the  same  time,  David  Glasgow  Farragut  was 
commissioned  Admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the  United  States, 
and  thus  the  two  heroes  of  the  rebellion  were  elevated  to 
positions,  more  exalted  in  rank  and  importance  than  any 
ever  known  in  this  country  before.  The  Republic  could 
not  afford  to  be  ungrateful  in  these  cases,  and  it  was  even 
appreciative  of  the  valuable  services  of  Grant  and  Farra 
gut,  beyond  precedent,  by  this  very  act. 


LIFE   OF  GENERAL  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT.          275 

By  this  promotion  of  General  Grant  it  was  decided  that 
the  office  of  Lieutenant-Gen&ral  should  be  continued  in  its 
proper  meaning,  and  Major-General  William  Tecumseh 
Sherman  was  elevated  to  that  rank  over  Major-General 
Halleck,  by  special  enactment,  and  Major-General  George 
Gordon  Meade  was  named  as  the  next  officer  for  the  suc 
cession,  to  be  followed  by  Major-Generals  Sheridan  and 
George  H.  Thomas. 

During  the  months  of  August  and  September,  1866, 
President  Johnson  made  his  noted  tour  of  the  northern 
and  western  States,  in  which  he  was  accompanied  by 
General  Grant  and  the  members  of  his  Cabinet.  Grant 
made  no  speeches,  and  only  appeared  and  bowed  to  the 
people  when  called  for.  So  frequent  and  marked  were  the 
ovations  offered  to  General  Grant,  that  the  President  is 
accused  of  having  grown  jealous  over  them,  and  to  have 
growled  at  Grant  on  several  occasions  in  consequence. 
The  General  replied  invariably  that  he  "could  not 
help  it." 

On  the  20th  of  September,  1866,  General  Grant  issued 
the  following  order. 

"For  the  General  the  same  as  for  Major-General,  except 
that  on  the  coat  there  shall  be  two  rows,  of  twelve  buttons 
each,  on  the  breast  placed  by  fours,  and  on  the  shoulder  straps 
and  epaulets  four  silver  stars. 

"  For  the  Lieutenant-General  the  same  as  for  Major-General, 
except  that  on  the  shoulder  straps  and  epaulets  there  shall  be 
three  silver  stars." 

GRANT'S  POLITICS  IN  1866. 

During  the  fall  of  1866,  the  following  letter  to  General 
Gresham,  of  Indiana,  was  published  and  had  a  profound 
effect  in  the  last  days  of  the  campaign  : 

"HEAD-QUARTERS,  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  Sept.  15,  1866 
"  General  W.  Q.  GRESHAM  : 

"  GENERAL  : — General  Grant  directs  me  to  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  your  letter  of  September  10th.  and  to  forward  you  the 


276  LIFE  OF   GENERAL  ULYSSES.  S.  GRANT. 

accompanying  copy  of  a  letter  sent  by  him  this  day  to  General 
Hillyer.  You  are  at  liberty  to  make  what  use  you  please  of 
the  inclosed. 

"  I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  ADAM  BADEAU, 

"  Colonel,  and  A.  D.  G" 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMIES  OF  THE   UNITED  STATES, 
"  WASHINGTON,  D.  0.,  Sept.  15,  1866. 

"  I  see  from  the  papers  that  you  have  been  making  a  speech, 
in  which  you  pledge  me  to  a  political  party.  I  am  further  in 
receipt  of  a  letter  from  General  Gresham,  of  Indiana,  in  which 
he  says  that  his  opponent  for  Congress  had  published  an  ex 
tract  from  a  letter  received  from  you,  in  which  you  pledged  me 
to  the  support  of  President  Johnson,  and  opposed  to  the  elec 
tion  of  any  candidate  who  does  not  support  his  policy.  You, 
nor  no  man  living,  is  authorized  to  speak  for  me  in  political 
matters,  .and  I  ask  you  to  desist  in  the  future.  I  want  every 
man  to  vote  according  to  his  own  judgment,  without  influence 
from  me.  Yours,  &c.,  "U.  S.  GRANT. 

"  To  Brevet  Brigadier- General  W.  S.  HILLYER,  New  York. 

"  ADAM  BADEAU,  A.  D.  C." 

During  the  same  campaign,  Grant  wrote  a  letter  in 
which  he  endorsed  General  Geary,  the  Republican  candi 
date  for  Governor  of  Pennsylvania,  against  Hon.  Heister 
Clymer.  In  this  letter,  General  Grant  said  there  could  be 
no  halting  between  two  opinions.  The  soldiers  should 
vote  for  the  man  who  had  fought  for  the  Union  in  prefer 
ence  to  the  politician  who  had  refused  to  vote  for  the  sup 
ply  of  men  and  money  to  prosecute  the  war.  This  epistle 
caused  great  excitement,  and  had  much  to  do  with  the 
result  of  the  elections  all  over  the  Union,  as  Grant  was 
not  only  beloved  by  the  soldiers,  but  was  rapidly  becom 
ing  the  idol  of  the  people. 

RECONSTRUCTION  OF  THE    SOUTHERN 
STATES. 

On  the  7th  of  March,  1867,  Congress  passed  the  famous 
military  reconstruction  acts  over  the  veto  of  President 
Johnson,  and  General  Grant  was  placed  in  immediate  com 
mand  of  the  five  new  military  districts  created  by  those  acts. 


LIFE  OF  GENERAL  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT.  277 

On  the  llth  of  March,  186T,  General  Grant  issued  an 
order,  assuming  his  new  position,  and  appointing  the  fol 
lowing  commanders  for  the  districts  named  : 

First  District — State  of  Virginia — MAJOR-GENERAL 
JOHN  M.  SCHOFIELD. 

Second  District — North  and  South  Carolina — MAJOR- 
GENERAL  DANIEL  E.  SICKLES. 

lliird  District — Georgia  and  Alabama — MAJOR-GENE 
RAL  JOHN  POPE. 

Fourth  District — Arkansas  and  Mississippi — MAJOR- 
GENERAL  EDWARD  0.  0.  ORD. 

Fifth  District — Louisiana  and  Texas — MAJOR- GENE 
RAL  PHILIP  H.  SHERIDAN. 

From  this  time  Grant  became  identified  with  the  great 
work  of  reconstruction,  and  his  course  throughout  the  try 
ing  year  of  1861,  was  marked  by  an  unflinching  and 
persistent  effort  to  prevent  wrong  to  the  people  or  Gov 
ernment,  and  while  he  was  kind  and  just  to  both  parties, 
he  for  many  months  prevented  an  open  rupture  between 
the  President  and  Congress.  He  insisted  that  the  Union 
men  of  the  South  should  be  protected,  whether  white  or 
black,  in  their  rights,  whilst  the  repentant  rebels  should 
be  treated  with  leniency,  but  upon  correct  principles  of 
justice.  He  advised  the  removal  from  office  of  all  persons 
who  were  not  good  Union  men,  and  anxious  to  renew 
their  allegiance  to  the  flag  of  the  country. 

His  faithful  captains  in  the  South — Sheridan,  Sickles, 
Pope,  and  Ord — had  no  objection  to  the  orders  of  their 
chieftain,  and  executed  them  with  alacrity.  In  these  acts 
they  made  a  few  enemies  for  themselves  and  their  great 
commander,  now  grown  illustrious  almost  in  his  youth, 
but  they  secured  the  friendship  of  all  reasonable  white 
residents,  and  the  lasting  affection  of  that  black  race 
which  had  just  foretasted  freedom  in  the  emancipation 
decreed  by  Abraham  Lincoln. 


278  LIFE  OF  GENERAL  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT. 

GRANT'S  FIRST  APPEARANCE  IN  THE  CABINET. 
On  the  23d  of  May,  1867,  President  Johnson  sent  for 
General  Grant,  and  asked  him  to  take  a  seat  in  his  Cabi 
net.  The  subject  under  consideration  was  the  constitution 
ality  of  the  Reconstruction  acts,  and  the  powers  of  officers 
commanding  districts.  At  this  meeting  General  Grant 
took  a  bold  position,  and  maintained  the  legality  of  all 
acts  under  the  laws  of  Congress.  He  gave  it  as  his  opin 
ion,  that  the  acts  were  entirely  constitutional,  but  said 
that  was  a  question  to  be  decided  by  the  Attorney-Gene 
ral,  (Mr.  Stanbery,)  and  by  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States.  He  stood  up  manfully  for  the  progress 
made  by  his  subordinates,  and  insisted  that  General  Sher 
idan  had  a  perfect  right  to  remove  any  rebel  who  held  a 
State  office,  and  was  either  directly  or  indirectly  an  obsta 
cle  to  reconstruction. 

THE    REGISTRATION     OP     VOTERS     IN    THE 
SOUTH. 

In  the  summer  of  1867,  Attorney-General  Stanbery 
issued  an  opinion  to  the  effect  that  any  person  in  the 
South,  who  was  willing  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance, 
should  be  allowed  to  register  as  a  voter.  This  idea 
General  Grant  scouted  as  not  only  unpatriotic  and  unjust, 
but  as  nonsensical,  because  it  would  act  as  a  complete 
amnesty  for  the  rebels  in  the  South,  no  matter  what  their 
crimes  might  have  been  during  the  war,  or  their  present 
feeling  towards  the  Union,  and  the  flag  of  the  country. 
General  Grant  accordingly  issued  the  following  order  to 
the  commander  of  the  Fourth  District,  the  importance  of 
which  will  be  understood  after  reading  the  remarks  above  : 

"  WASHINGTON,  June  23,  1867. 
"Brevet  Major-General  E.  0.  C.  Ord,  Commanding  the  Fourth 

District  : 

"  GENERAL  :  A  copy  of  your  final  instructions  to  the  Board  of 
Registration,  of  June  10, 1867,  is  just  received.  I  entirely  dis- 


LIFE  OF  GENEEAL   ULYSSES   S.  GRANT.  279 

sent  from  the  views  contained  in  paragraph  four.  Your  views 
as  to  the  duty  of  the  Registers  to  register  every  man  who  will 
take  the  required  oath,  although  they  may  know  the  applicant 
perjures  himself,  is  not  sustained  by  the  views  of  the  Attorney- 
General. 

"  My  opinion  is  that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Board  of  Registration 
to  see,  as  far  as  it  lays  in  their  power,  that  no  unauthorized 
person  is  allowed  to  register.  To  secure  this  end,  Registers 
should  be  allowed  to  administer  oaths  and  examine  witnesses. 
The  law,  however,  makes  the  district  commanders  their  own-in 
terpreters  of  their  power  and  duty  under  it,  and  in  my  opinion 
the  Attorney-General  or  myself  can  do  no  more  than  give  our 
opinion  as  to  the  meaning  of  the  law.  Neither  can  enforce  their 
views  against  the  judgment  of  those  made  responsible  for  the 
faithful  execution  of  the  law — the  district  commanders. 

"  Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT,  General" 

RECONSTRUCTION  TESTIMONY. 

On  the  18th  of  July,  186T,  General  Grant  was  sum 
moned  before  the  Judiciary  Committee  of  the  House  of 
Representatives,  to  testify  relative  to  the  actions  of  the 
President  in  regard  to  the  execution  of  the  reconstruction 
acts.  The  testimony  was  all  in  favor  of  the  propriety  of 
executing  the  laws  more  vigorously,  and  completely,  but 
General  Grant  could  not  say  that  the  President  had  done 
anything  to  obstruct  the  laws.  He  thought  he  had  been, 
perhaps,  dilatory  or  tardy,  but  had  not  failed  to  exe 
cute  the  laws  when  exigencies  seemed  to  require.  He 
thought  the  opinion  of  Mr.  Stanbery,  previously  alluded 
to,  had  gone  far  to  prevent  an  acquiescence  to  needful 
regulations,  made  by  the  military  commanders,  on  the 
part  of  some  of  the  southern  people. 

POPULAR  OVATIONS  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

During  July,  186T,  General  Grant  paid  a  visit  to  Long 
Branch,  New  Jersey,  in  company  with  his  father-in-law, 
General  Dent,  and  Mrs.  Grant.  At  every  city,  hamlet, 
or  railroad  station,  along  the  various  routes,  the  people 
assembled  in  great  crowds,  and  tendered  him  receptions 


280         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GKANT. 

that  might  have  been  gratifying  to  a  monarch,  and  must 
have  been  exceedingly  pleasant  to  the  great  military 
leader  of  the  republic,  who  could  feel  that  he  deserved 
these  ovations  in  return  for  the  gigantic  labor  he  had 
performed  in  securing  to  the  people  their  lives,  property, 
rights,  and  liberties. 

THE  CABINET  DIFFICULTY.—  SECRETARY 
STANTON  SUSPENDED  FROM  OFFICE,  AND 
GENERAL  GRANT  APPOINTED  SECRETARY 
OF  WAR,  AD  INTERIM. 

During  the  months  of  July  and  August,  186*1,  Presi 
dent  Johnson  became  displeased  with  the  Secretary  of 
War,  Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stan  ton,  and  requested  him  to 
resign.  This  Mr.  Stanton  declined  to  do,  and  under  the 
Tenure  of  Office  act  determined  to  hold  on  to  his  office  un 
til  Congress  met  in  November.  Mr.  Johnson  became  in 
censed  at  the  course  pursued  by  Mr.  Stanton  and  on  the 
12th  of  August  formally  suspended  Mr.  Stanton  from  the 
office  of  Secretary  of  War,  and  appointed  General  Grant 
to  act  as  Secretary  ad  interim.  This  act  created  the 
greatest  excitement  all  over  the  country,  and  might  have 
caused  outbreaks  in  the  large  cities,  but  for  the  confidence 
and  love  that  all  classes  and  parties  entertained  for  the 
noble  Commander-in-Chief  of  our  Army.  In  order  that 
the  American  people  may  fully  appreciate  and  understand 
the  action  of  General  Grant  on  this  momentous  occasion, 
we  reproduce  here  the  whole  of  the  official  correspondence 
in  this  affair: 

"EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

"August  12,  1867. 

«  gTR  : — By  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority  vested  in  me  as 
President,  by  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States, 
you  are  hereby  suspended  from  office,  as  Secretary  of  War,  and 
will  cease  to  exercise  any  and  all  functions  pertaining  to  the 
same.  You  will  at  once  transfer  to  General  U.  S.  Grant,  who  has 
this  day  been  authorized  and  empowered  to  act  as  Secretary  of 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.    GRANT.         281 

War  ad  interim,  all  records,  books,  papers,  and  other  public 
property  now  in  your  custody  and  charge. 

"  Very  respectfully  yours, 

"ANDREW  JOHNSON. 
"  To  Hon.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Washington,  D.  C." 

"WAR  DEPARTMENT,  WASHINGTON  CITY, 
''August  12,  16.67. 

«  SIR  : — Your  note  of  this  day  has  been  received,  informing 
me  that,  by  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority  vested  in  you  us 
President  by  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States, 
I  am  suspended  from  office  as  Secretary  of  War,  and  will  cease 
to  exercise  any  and  all  functions  pertaining  to  the  same,  and 
also  directing  me  at  once  to  transfer  to  General  Ulysses  S. 
Grant,  who  has  this  day  been  authorized  and  empowered  to  act 
as  Secretary  of  War  ad  interim,  all  records,  books,  papers  and 
other  public  property  now  in  my  custody  and  charge.  Under 
a  sense  of  public  duty  I  am  compelled  to  deny  your  right 
under  the  Constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States,  without 
the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  and  without  legal  cause, 
to  suspend  me  from  office  as  Secretary  of  War,  or  the  exercise 
of  any  or  all  functions  pertaining  to  the  same,  or  without  such 
advice  or  consent,  to  compel  me  to  transfer  to  any  person  the 
records,  books,  papers  and  other  public  property  in  my  custody 
as  Secretary  of  War.  But  inasmuch  as  the  General  com 
manding  the  Armies  of  the  United  States  has  been  appointed 
Secretary  of  War  ad  interim,  and  has  notified  me  that  he  has 
accepted  the  appointment,  I  have  no  alternative  but  to  submit, 
under  protest,  to  superior  force. 

"  Very  respectfully  yours, 

"  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 

"  To  the  President." 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

"August  12,  1867. 

"  SIR  : — The  Hon.  Edwin  M.  Stanton  having  been  this  day 
suspended  as  Secretary  of  War,  you  are  hereby  authorized  and 
empowered  to  act  as  Secretary  of  War  ad  interim,  and  will  at 
once  enter  upon  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  that  office.  The 
Secretary  of  War  has  been  instructed  to  transfer  to  you  all 
records,  books,  papers  and  other  public  property  now  in  his 
custody  and  charge. 

"  Very  respectfully  yours, 

"ANDREW  JOHNSON. 
"  General  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT,  Washington,  D.  C." 

"  HEADQUARTERS  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"WASHINGTON,  August  12,  1867. 
f<  The  HON.  E.  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 
"  SIR  : — Inclosed  herewith  I  have  to  transmit  to  you  a  copy  of 


282         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

a  letter  just  received  from  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
notifying  me  of  my  assignment  as  Acting  Secretary  of  War, 
and  directing  me  to  assume  those  duties  at  once.  In  notifying 
you  of  my  acceptance,  I  cannot  let  the  opportunity  pass  with 
out  expressing  to  you  my  appreciation  of  the  zeal,  patriotism, 
firmness  and  ability  with  which  you  have  ever  discharged  the 
duty  of  Secretary  of  War. 

"  With  great  respect, 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT,  General:' 

"  WAR  DEPARTMENT,  WASHINGTON  CITY, 
"August  12,  1867. 

"  GENERAL  : — Your  note  of  this  date,  accompanied  by  a  copy 
of  a  letter  addressed  to  you  August  12,  by  the  President, 
appointing  you  Secretary  of  War  ad  interim,  and  informing 
me  of  your  acceptance  of  the  appointment,  has  been  received. 
Under  a  sense  of  public  duty,  I  am  compelled  to  deny  the  Presi 
dent's  right  under  the  laws  of  the  United  States  to  suspend  me 
from  office  as  Secretary  of  War,  or  to  authorize  any  other  per 
son  to  enter  upon  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  that  office,  or 
to  require  to  transfer  to  you  or  any  other  person,  the  records, 
books,  papers,  and  other  public  property  in  my  official  custody 
as  Secretary  of  War,  but  inasmuch  as  the  President  has 
assumed  to  suspend  me  from  office  as  Secretary  of  War,  and 
you  have  notified  me  of  your  acceptance  of  the  appointment 
of  Secretary  of  War  ad  interim,  I  have  no  alternative  but  to 
submit,  under  protest,  to  the  superior  force  of  the  President. 
You  will  please  accept  my  acknowledgement  of  the  kind  terms 
in  which  you  have  notified  me  of  your  acceptance  of  the 
President's  appointment,  and  my  cordial  reciprocation  of  the 
sentiments  expressed. 

"  I  am,  with  sincere  regard,  truly  yours, 

"  EDWIN  M.  STANT"OM,  Secretary  of  War 

"  To  General  Ulysses  S.  Grant" 

General  Grant  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  new  office 
with  the  full  determination  to  be  as  faithful  there  as  in 
every  other  position  held  by  him.  He  at  first  made  him 
self  familiar  with  the  immense  routine  of  the  war  office, 
and  then  turned  his  attention  to  a  reduction  of  the  ex 
penses  as  far  as  practicable,  discharged  scores  of  civiliian 
clerks  and  hired  only  tens  of  Veteran  volunteers  to  fill 
clerkships.  In  the  prosecution  of  this  work  he  was  ap 
plauded  by  all  parties,  as  it  was  evident  that  the  sooner 
economy  could  be  practiced  in  the  various  departments 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GAKNT.         283 

the  better.  Thus  we  have  proved  that  whether  it  was 
organizing  victory,  or  directing  ordinary  routine  business, 
our  hero  displayed  at  all  times  marked  ability  and  a 
determination  to  do  right  that  neither  threats  nor  bribes 
could  effect. 

REMOVAL  OP  GENERAL  P.  H.  SHERIDAN.— 
PROTEST  OF  GENERAL  U.  S.  GRANT. 

Perhaps  if  there  was  any  General  in  our  army  that 
Grant  loved  more  than  another  for  his  brilliant  services, 
superior  generalship,  indomitable  pluck,  dash,  and  patriot 
ism,  that  man  was  "  Cavalry  Sheridan."  In  fact,  "  Little 
Phil,"  was  looked  upon  by  Grant  as  a  man  who  could  do 
no  wrong,  because  he  had  never  made  a  mistake,  and  was 
slow  to  action,  but  quick  in  execution.  Sheridan  had 
been  elevated  through  extraordinary  merit,  to  a  lofty  posi 
tion  in  the  army,  and  now  he  was  exhibiting  a  respectable 
statesmanship,  in  directing  the  reconstruction  of  possibly 
the  most  refractory  State  in  the  South  ;  but  he  was  doing 
it  in  his  own  rough  way,  and  this  did  not  please  President 
Johnson,  and  so  he  removed  him — cut  him  down  before 
the  eyes  of  that  chieftain  whose  heart  had  often  been 
cheered  by  his  magnificent  successes  in  the  West,  in  the 
valley  of  Virginia,  around  Richmond — everywhere. — 
Sheridan  was  removed  in  the  face  of  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  and  patriotic,  yet  strong  and  positive  protests 
that  has  ever  been  penned  by  man. 

GENERAL  GRANT  TO  PRESIDENT  JOHNSON. 

"  HEADQUARTERS,  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"  WASHINGTON,  D.  0.,  August  17,  1867. 
"  His   Excellency  ANDREW  JOHNSON,  President  of  the    United 

States. 

"  SIR  : — I  am  in  receipt  of  your  order  of  this  date,  directing 
the  assignment  of  General  G.  H.  Thomas  to  the  command  of 
the  Fifth  Military  District,  General  Sheridan  to  the  Depart 
ment  of  the  Missouri,  and  General  Hancock  to  the  Department 
of  the  Cumberland  ;  also  your  note  of  this  date  (inclosing  these 
instructions),  saying,  '  Before  you  issue  instructions  to  carry 
18 


284         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT. 

into  effect  the  inclosed  order  I  would  be  pleased  to  hear  any 
suggestions  you  may  deem  necessary  respecting  the  assignments 
to  which  the  order  refers.' 

"  I  am  pleased  to  avail  myself  of  this  invitation  to  urge,  earn 
estly  urge — urge  in  the  name  of  a  patriotic  people  who  have 
sacrificed  hundreds  of  thousands  of  loyal  lives,  and  thousands 
of  millions  of  treasure  to  preserve  the  integrity  and  union  of  this 
country — that  this  order  be  not  insisted  on.  It  is  unmistaka 
bly  the  expressed  wish  of  the  country  that  General  Sheridan 
should  not  be  removed  from  his  present  command.  This  is  a 
republic  where  the  will  of  the  people  is  the  law  of  the  land.  I 
beg  that  their  voice  may  be  heard. 

"  General  Sheridan  has  performed  his  military  duties  faith 
fully  and  intelligently.  His  removal  will  only  be  regarded  as  an 
effort  to  defeat  the  laws  of  Congress.  It  will  be  interpreted  by 
the  unreconstructed  element  in  the  South — those  who  did  all 
they  could  to  break  up  this  government  by  arms,  and  now  wish 
to  be  the  only  element  consulted  as  to  the  method  of  restoring 
order — as  a  triumph.  It  will  embolden  them  to  renewed  op 
position  to  the  will  of  the  loyal  masses,  believing  that  they  have 
the  Executive  with  them. 

"  The  services  of  General  Thomas  in  battling  for  the  Union 
entitle  him  to  some  consideration.  He  has  repeatedly  entered 
his  protest  against  being  assigned  to  either  of  the  five  military 
districts,  and  especially  to  being  assigned  to  relieve  General 
Sheridan. 

"  General  Hancock  ought  not  to  be  removed  from  where  he 
is.  His  department  is  a  complicated  one,  which  will  take  a 
new  commander  some  time  to  become  acquainted  with. 

"  There  are  military  reasons,  pecuniary  reasons,  and,  above 
all.  patriotic  reasons,  why  this  order  should  not  be  insisted  on. 

"  I  beg  to  refer  to  a  letter,  marked  private,  which  I  wrote  to 
the  President  when  first  consulted  on  the  subject  of  the  change 
in  the  War  Department.  It  bears  upon  the  subject  of  this  re- 
moval,  and  I  had  hoped  would  have  prevented  it. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient 
servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT,  General  United  States  Army. 

and  Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim." 


PRESIDENT  JOHNSON  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

"August  19,  1867. 

"  GENERAL  :— I  have  received  your  communication  of  the  17th 
inst.,  and  thank  you  for  the  promptness  with  which  you  have 
submitted  your  views  respecting  the  assignment  directed  in  my 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.        285 

order  of  that  date.  When  I  stated  in  my  unofficial  note  of  the 
17th  that  I  would  be  pleased  to  hear  any  suggestions  you  might 
deem  necessary  upon  the  subject,  it  was  not  my  intention  to 
ask  from  you  a  formal  report,  but  rather  to  invite  a  verbal 
statement  of  any  reasons  affecting  the  public  interests  which, 
in  your  opinion,  would  render  the  order  inexpedient.  Inas 
much,  however,  as  you  have  embodied  your  suggestions  in  a 
written  communication,  it  is  proner  that  I  should  make  some 
reply. 

"  You  earnestly  urge  that  the  order  be  not  insisted  on,  re 
marking  that  'it  is  unmistakably  the  expressed  wish  of  the 
country  that  General  Sheridan  should  not  be  removed  from  his 
present  command.'  While  I  am  cognizant  of  the  efforts  that 
have  been  made  to  retain  General  Sheridan  in  command  of  the 
Fifth  Military  District,  I  am  not  aware  that  the  question  has 
ever  been  submitted  to  the  people  themselves  for  determina 
tion.  It  certainly  would  be  unjust  to  the  army  to  assume  that, 
in  the  opinion  of  the  nation,  he  alone  is  capable  of  commanding 
the  States  of  Louisiana  and  Texas,  and  that,  were  he  for  any 
cause  removed,  no  other  general  in  the  military  service  of  the 
United  States  would  be  competent  to  fill  his  place. 

"  General  Thomas,  whom  I  have  designated  as  his  successor, 
is  well  known  to  the  country.  Having  won  high  and  honor 
able  distinction  in  the  field,  he  has  since,  in  the  execution  of 
the  responsible  duties  of  a  department  commander,  exhibited 
great  ability,  sound  discretion  and  sterling  patriotism.  He  has 
not  failed,  under  the  most  trying  circumstances,  to  enforce  the 
laws  to  preserve  peace  and  order,  to  encourage  the  restoration 
of  civil  authority  and  to  promote,  as  far  as  possible,  a  spirit  of 
reconciliation.  His  administration  of  the  Department  of  the 
Cumberland  will  certainly  compare  most  favorably  with  that 
of  General  Sheridan  in  the  Fifth  Military  District.  There 
affairs  appear  to  be  in  a  disturb  condition,  and  a  bitter  spirit 
of  antagonism  seems  to  have  resulted  from  General  Sheridan's 
management.  He  has  rendered  himself  exceedingly  obnoxious 
by  the  manner  in  which  he  has  exercised  even  the  powers 
conferred  by  Congress,  and  still  more  so  by  a  resort  to  au 
thority  not  granted  by  law  nor  necessary  to  its  faithful  and 
efficient  execution.  His  rule  has,  in  fact,  been  one  of  absolute 
tyranny,  without  reference  to  the  principles  of  our  govern 
ment  or  the  nature  of  our  free  institutions. 

"  The  state  of  affairs  which  has  resulted  from  the  course  he 
has  pursued  has  seriously  interfered  with  a  harmonious,  satis 
factory  and  speedy  execution  of  the  acts  of  Congress,  and  is 
alone  sufficient  to  justify  a  change.  His  removal,  therefore, 
cannot  '  be  regarded  as  an  effort  to  defeat  the  laws  of  Con 
gress.'  for  the  object  is  to  facilitate  their  execution,  through 
an  officer  who  has  never  failed  to  obey  the  statutes  of  the  land, 
and  to  exact,  within  his  jurisdiction,  a  like  obedience  from  others! 


286         LIFE   OF    GENEEAL    ULYSSES   S.    GEANT. 

It  cannot  'be  interpreted  by  the  unreconstructed  element  in  the 
South — those  who  did  all  .they  could  to  break  up  this  govern 
ment  by  arms,  and  now  wish  to  be  the  only  element  consulted 
as  to  the  method  of  restoring  order — as  a  triumph ;'  for,  as 
intelligent  men,  they  must  know  that  the  mere  change  of  mili 
tary  commanders  cannot  alter  the  law,  and  that  General 
Thomas  will  be  as  much  bound  by  its  requirements  as  General 
Sheridan.  It  cannot  '  embolden  them  to  renewed  opposition 
to  the  will  of  the  loyal  masses,  believing  that  they  have  the 
Executive  with  them ;'  for  they  are  perfectly  familiar  with  the 
antecedents  of  the  President,  and  know  that  he  has  not 
obstructed  the  faithful  execution  of  any  act  of  Congress. 

"  No  one,  as  you  are  aware,  has  a  higher  appreciation  than 
myself  of  the  services  of  General  Thomas,  and  no  one  would  be 
less  inclined  to  assign  him  to  a  command  not  entirely  to  his 
wishes.  Knowing  him  as  I  do,  I  cannot  think  that  he  will 
hesitate  for  a  moment  to  obey  any  order  having  in  view  a  com 
plete  and  speedy  restoration  of  the  Union,  in  the  preservation 
of  which  he  has  rendered  such  important  and  valuable  services. 

"  General  Hancock,  known  to  the  whole  country  as  a  gallant, 
able  and  patriotic  soldier,  will,  I  have  no  doubt,  sustain  his 
high  reputation  in  any  position  to  which  he  may  be  assigned. 
If,  as  you  observe,  the  department  which  he  will  have  is  a 
complicated  one,  I  feel  confident  that,  under  the  guidance  and 
instruction  of  General  Sherman,  General  Sheridan  will  soon  be 
come  familiar  with  its  necessities,  and  will  avail  himself  of  the 
opportunity  afforded  by  the  Indian  troubles  for  the  display  of 
the  energy,  enterprise  and  daring  which  gave  him  so  enviable 
a  reputation  during  our  recent  civil  struggle. 

"  In  assuming  that  it  is  the  expressed  wish  of  the  people  tha-t 
General  Sheridan  should  not  be  removed  from  his  present  com 
mand,  you  remark  that  '  this  is  a  republic  where  the  will  of  the 
people  is  the  law  of  the  land,'  and  '  beg  that  their  voice  may 
be  heard.'  This  is  indeed  a  republic,  based,  however,  upon  a 
written  constitution.  That  constitution  is  the  combined  arid 
expressed  will  of  the  people,  and  their  voice  is  law  when 
reflected  in  the  manner  which  that  instrument  prescribes. 
While  one  of  its  provisions  makes  the  President  Commander- 
in-Chief  of  the  army  and  Navy,  another  requires  that  '  he  shall 
take  care  that  the  laws  be  faithfully  executed.'  Believing  that 
a  change  in  the  command  of  the  Fifth  Military  District  is 
absolutely  necessary  for  a  faithful  execution  of  the  law,  I  have 
issued  the  order  which  is  the  subject  of  this  correspondence, 
and  in  thus  exercising  a  power  that  inheres  in  the  Executive, 
under  the  Constitution,  as  Commander-iii-Chief  of  the  military 
and  naval  forces,  I  am  discharging  a  duty  required  of  me  by 
the  will  of  the  nation,  as  formally  declared  in  the  supreme  law 
of  the  land. 

"By  his  oath  the  Executive  is  solemnly  bound,  '  to  the  best 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.         287 

of  his  ability,  to  preserve,  protect  and  defend  the  Constitution," 
and  although  in  times  of  great  excitement  it  may  be  lost  to 
public  view,  it  is  his  duty,  without  regard  to  the  consequences 
to  himself,  to  hold  sacred  and  to  enforce  any  and  all  of  its 
provisions.  Any  other  course  would  lead  to  the  destruction 
of  the  republic,  for,  the  Constitution  once  abolished,  there 
would  be  no  Congress  for  the  exercise  of  legislative  powers,  no 
Executive  to  see  that  the  laws  are  faithfully  executed,  no 
judiciary  to  afford  to  the  citizen  protection  for  life,  limb  and 
property.  Usurpation  would  inevitably  follow,  and  despotism 
be  fixed  upon  the  people  in  violation  of  their  combined  and 
expressed  wish. 

"In  conclusion,  I  fail  to  perceive  any  'military,'  'pecuni 
ary'  or  '  patriotic  reasons'  why  this  order  should  riot  be 
carried  into  effect.  You  will  remember  that  in  the  first 
instance  I  did  not  consider  General  Sheridan  the  most  suitable 
officer  for  the  command  of  the  Fifth  Military  District.  Time 
has  strengthened  my  convictions  upon  this  point,  and  has  led 
me  to  the  conclusion  that  patriotic  considerations  demand  that 
he  should  be  superseded  by  an  officer  who.  while  he  will  faith 
fully  execute  the  law,  will  at  the  same  time  give  more  general 
satisfaction  to  the  whole  people,  white  and  black,  North  and 
South. 

"  I  am,  General,  very  respectfully  yours, 

"  ANDREW  JOHNSON. 

"  General  U.  S.  GRANT,  Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim." 

It  will  be  observed  in  the  above  correspondence  that  a 
letter  is  spoken  of  not  given  and  marked  "  private."  This 
will  be  found  on  page  291. 

REMOVAL  OF  GENERAL  SICKLES. 

Only  a  few  days  after  the  removal  of  General  Sheridan, 
the  President  relieved  General  Daniel  E.  Sickles  from 
command  of  tbe  Second  District,  comprising  the  States  of 
North  and  South  Carolina.  This  was  another  blow  to 
Grant,  as  if  he  had  selected  the  five  commanders  himself, 
he  could  not  have  chosen  better  or  more  faithful  men. 
Grant  made  no  further  protest,  however,  except  as  a 
member  of  the  Cabinet,  and  verbally.  President  Johnson 
was  not  to  be  coaxed  or  driven  in  these  matters.  He 
imagined  he  was  right,  and  he  made  bis  will  law,  even 
before  he  had  jumped  at  a  sagacious  conclusion.  He  had 


288          LIFE   OP    GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GKANT. 

no  mercy  for  Grant,  who  was  just  then  being  worked  sick 
with  the  duties  of  two  great  offices  on  his  shoulders,  and 
any  number  of  disturbing  private  and  public  incidents  and 
occurrences. 

General  Grant  had  but  one  resource,  and  that  was  to 
succumb  to  his  superior  officer.  He  did  so,  gracefully, 
but  not  without  a  struggle  for  justice.  He  issued  an 
order  on  the  first  of  September,  directing  officers  in  the 
South  not  to  reinstate  any  civil  officer  without  his 
(Grant's)  permission.  This  order  had  the  effect  to  ob 
struct  the  President's  policy  and  to  strengthen  the  laws 
of  Congress.  It  also  prevented  the  Southern  command 
ers  from  falling  into  errors  of  omission  or  commission. 

GRANT  AND  SICKLES. 

In  August,  1867,  General  Daniel  E.  Sickles,  com 
mander  of  the  Second  Military  District,  had  refused  to  de 
liver  up  the  bodies  of  certain  prisoners  to  the  United  States 
Court,  thus  denying  the  jurisdiction  of  that  court  in  cer 
tain  instances.  This  action  called  forth  a  flaming  procla 
mation  from  the  President,  ordering  that  the  courts  were 
not  to  be  interfered  with,  and  resulted  in  the  removal  of 
General  Sickles.  The  following  dispatches  will  show 
exactly  where  General  Grant  stood  in  this  important  con 
troversy  : 

SECRETARY  OF   WAR  TO    GENERAL   SICKLES. 

"WASHINGTON,  August,  13,  1867. 
"  To  MAJOR-GENERAL  SICKLES,  Charleston,  S.  C. 

"Paragraph  2,  General-Order  No.  10,  current  series,  must 
not  be  construed  to  bar  action  of  a  United  States  court.  The 
authority  conferred  on  District  Commanders  does  not  extend 
in  any  respect  over  the  acts  of  courts  of  the  United  States. 

"  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT,  General." 

GENERAL  SICKLES  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  SECOND  MILITARY  DISTRICT, 

"CHARLESTON,  S.  (j.,  August,  17,  1867. 
"  ADJUTANT-GENERAL  U.  S.  ARMY,  Washington,  D.  C. 

"  The  commanding  officer  at  Wilmington  reports  to  me  this 


LIFE  OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT.        289 

morning  that  the  United  States  Mashal  for  North  Carolina  is 
instructed  by  the  Attorney-General  to  enforce  immediately  all 
executions  of  the  United  States  Courts,  and  to  report  the 
names  of  persons  offering  obstructions,  with  a  view  to  proceed 
against  them  under  the  criminal  laws  of  the  United  States,  and 
asks  for  instructions.  I  advised  the  commanding  officer  to 
be  informed  that  on  receipt  of  the  report  he  had  been  ordered 
to  make  in  relation  to  the  pending  cases  he  will  receive  further 
instructions,  and  that  meanwhile  he  will  not  permit  the  order  or 
decree  of  any  court  to  be  enforced  in  violation  of  existing  mili 
tary  orders.,  These  threats  of  the  Attorney-General,  reported 
by  the  Marshal,  are  foreshadowed  in  a  false  and  scandalous 
article  on  this  subject,  published,  it  seems,  not  without 
authority,  in  the  National  Intelligencer  of  Monday  last,  and  to 
which  I  respectfully  invite  attention. 

"  I  will  remark  that  the  question  now  raised  in  this  matter  is 
not  new.  Last  July,  the  United  States  Court  in  South  Carolina 
ordered  me  to  surrender  four  citizens,  under  sentence  of  death 
for  the  murder  of  three  soldiers  of  the  garrison  at  Anderson 
Court  House.  I  refused,  and  the  court  ordered  the  Marshal 
to  arrest  me.  The  case  having  been  reported  to  the  Adjutant- 
General  of  the  Army,  the  Secretary  of  War  instructed  me  not 
to  give  up  the  prisoners,  nor  to  submit  to  arrest,  but  to  take 
into  custody  any  and  all  persons  attempting  either.  The 
President  afterwards  commuted  the  sentences  of  these  men  to 
imprisonment  for  life,  when  they  were  sent  to  Fort  Delaware, 
and  there  discharged  by  a  Judge  of  the  United  States  District 
Court. 

"  If  the  United  States  Courts  in  Eebel  States  be  allowed  to 
control  the  military  authorities,  the  execution  of  the  Kecon- 
struction  acts  will,  for  various  reasons,  soon  become  impracti 
cable.  Some  of  these  courts  will  begin  by  declaring  these  acts 
of  Congress  void. 

"(Signed)  "D.  E.  SICKLES, 

' ' Major-  General  Commanding. ' ' 

GENERAL  GRANT'S  LAST   DISPATCH  TO 
GENERAL  SICKLES. 

On  the  same  day  the  following  reply  was  received  from 
the  General-in-Chief: — 

"  WAR  DEPARTMENT,  WASHINGTON, 

" August  17,  1867. 
"  MAJOR-GENERAL  SICKLES,  Commanding,  etc. 

"  Your  dispatch  of  this  day  received.  Follow  the  course  of 
action  indicated  by  you  as  right,  and  regard  my  dispatch  of 
the  13th  as  entirely  withdrawn. 

'•(Signed)  "U.  S.  GRANT,  General" 


290         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT. 

Early  in  September,  1867,  President  Johnson  issued 
his  celebrated  amnesty  proclamation,  by  which  many 
rebels  were  at  once  relieved  from  the  political  disabilities 
that  had  been  entailed  upon  them  by  their  action  during 
the  rebellion.  General  Grant,  in  Cabinet  council,  opposed 
this  proclamation,  on  the  ground  that  it  was  entirely  un 
necessary  at  the  time,  as  the  persons  amnestied  would  not 
be  allowed  to  vote,  at  least  for  the  present,  and  not 
until  Congress  should  take  action  in  the  matter. 

CUTTING  DOWN  THE  EXPENSES. 
On  the  15th  of  September,  1861,  Grant  issued  an  order 
directing  the  district  commanders  in  the  South  to  co-op 
erate  with  the  agents  of  the  Freedmen's  Bureau,  and  to  as 
sign  regular  soldiers  for  duty  at  all  points  where  practi 
cable,  so  as  to  insure  the  mustering  out  of  such  volunteer 
officers  as  were  yet  remaining  in  the  service.  He  also 
directed  that  the  expenses  of  both  the  Freedmen's  Bureau 
and  the  officers  and  boards  of  registration,  should  be  re 
duced  wherever  and  whenever  it  was  possible. 

ULYSSES  S.  GRANT    FIRST    NAMED    FOR   THE 
PRESIDENCY. 

On  the  evening  of  the  16th  of  October,  1861,  the  first 
Grant  club  was  formed  in  the  United  States,  in  the  twelfth 
ward  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  At  a  subsequent  meeting 
of  this  club,  Colonel  William  B.  Mann  was  chosen  presi 
dent,  and  that  gentleman  proceeded  to  organize  Grant 
clubs  all  over  the  city.  So  popular  had  the  General  be 
come  by  his  recent  actions,  that  the  whole  effort  to  have 
him  nominated  for  the  presidency  was  called  the  "  Grant 
Hurrah  Movement."  Indeed  it  swept  the  country  like  a 
whirlwind.  Gradually  the  great  men  of  the  country  began 
to  endorse  him,  and  finally  it  became  a  foregone  conclusion 
that  General  Grant  would  be  the  choice  of  the  Republican 
party — of  the  friends  of  the  lamented  Lincoln — to  succeed 
to  the  presidency  by  the  choice  of  the  people. 


LIFE    OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.        291 

On  the  llth  of  December,  186T,  the  .National  Union 
Republican  Executive  Committee  met  at  Washington, 
and  ordered  that  the  National  Republican  Convention 
should  meet  on  Wednesday,  May  20th,  1868,  at  the  city  of 
Chicago,  Illinois,  for  the  nomination  of  candidates  for 
President  and  Yice  President  of  the  United  States,  and 
this  decision  added  great  importance  to  the  Grant  move 
ment,  as  he  is  a  citizen  of  Illinois. 

PRESIDENT    JOHNSON'S    REASONS    FOR 
REMOVING    SECRETARY    STANTON. 

On  the  13th  of  December,  1861,  President  Johnson  sent 
a  lengthy  message  to  the  Senate,  giving  his  reasons  for  sus 
pending  Secretary  Stanton  from  office.  The  principal  one 
was  that  Mr.  Stanton  did  not  act  in  good  earnest  with  the 
President,  and  had  hesitated  in  carving  out  certain 
schemes  indicated  by  the  chief  magistrate  as  proper  and 
necessary,  and  as,  under  the  Tenure  of  Office  act,  the  Presi 
dent  had  not  the  right  to  remove  the  Secretary,  he  had  re 
sorted  to  a  suspension  as  being  the  only  prerogative  left 
to  him.  He  had  appointed  General  Grant  as  Secretary  of 
War  ad  interim,  and  desired  to  know  the  pleasure  of  the 
Senate  in  regard  to  this  action. 

The  message  was  referred  to  the  judiciary  committee 
of  the  Senate,  and  time  was  allowed  Secretary  Stanton 
to  make  a  reply  to  the  statements  made  in  the  message 
prejudicial  to  his  public  character. 

Shortly  after  this,  the  following  copy  of  a  private  letter  of 
General  Grant  relative  to  the  removal  of  Secretary  Stan- 
ton  was  transmitted  to  the  House  of  Representatives. 

LETTER  FROM   GENERAL   GRANT  TO 
PRESIDENT  JOHNSON. 

[PRIVATE.] 
"  HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  August  1,  1867. 
"  His  Excellency,  ANDREW  JOHNSON,  President  of  the   United 

States: 
"  SIR  : — I  take  the  liberty  of  addressing  you  privately  on  the 


292         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

subject  of  the  conversation  we  had  this  morning,  feeling  as  I 
do  the  great  danger  to  the  welfare  of  the  country  should  you 
carry  out  the  designs  then  expressed.  First.  On  the  subject 
of  the  displacement  of  the  Secretary  of  War.  His  removal 
cannot  be  effected  against  his  will,  without  the  consent  of  the 
Senate.  It  is  but  a  short  time  since  the  United  States  Senate 
was  in  session,  and  why  not  then  have  asked  for  his  removal  if 
it  was  desired  ? 

"  It  certainly  was  the  sentiment  of  the  legislative  branch  of 
the  government  to  place  Cabinet  ministers  beyond  the  power 
of  Executive  removal,  and  it  is  pretty  well  understood  that 
so  far  as  Cabinet  ministers  are  affected  by  the  Tenure  of  Office 
bill,  it  was  intended  especially  to  protect  the  Secretary  of  War, 
in  whom  the  country  felt  great  confidence.  The  meaning  of 
the  law  may  be  explained  away  by  an  astute  lawyer,  but  com 
mon  sense  and  the  views  of  loyal  people  will  give  to  it  the 
effect  intended  by  its  framers. 

"Second.  On  the  subject  of  the  removal  of  the  very  able 
commander  of  the  Fifth  Military  District,  let  me  ask  you  to 
consider  the  effect  it  would  have  upon  the  public.  He  is 
universally  and  deservedly  beloved  by  the  people  who  sustained 
this  government  through  its  trials,  and  feared  by  those  who 
would  still  be  the  enemies  of  the  government.  It  fell  to  the 
lot  of  but  few  men  to  do  as  much  against  an  armed  enemy 
as  General  Sheridan  did  during  the  Rebellion ;  and  it  is  within 
the  scope  of  but  few  in  this  or  any  other  country  to  do  what 
he  has.  His  civil  administration  has  given  equal  satisfaction. 
He  has  had  difficulties  to  contend  with  which  no  other  district 
commander  has  encountered. 

"  Almost,  if  not  quite  from  the  day  he  was  appointed  Dis 
trict  Commander  to  the  present  time,  the  press  has  given  out 
that  he  was  to  be  removed,  and  that  the  administration  was 
dissatisfied  with  him.  This  has  emboldened  the  opponents  to 
the  laws  of  Congress  within  his  command  to  oppose  them  in 
every  way  in  their  power,  and  has  rendered  necessary  measures 
which  otherwise  may  never  have  been  necessary. 

"  In  conclusion,  allow  me  to  say,  as  a  friend,  desiring  peace 
and  quiet,  and  the  welfare  of  the  whole  country,  North  arid 
South,  that  it  is,  in  my  opinion,  more  than  the  loyal  people  of 
the  country — I  mean  those  who  supported  the  government 
during  the  great  Rebellion — will  quietly  submit  to,  to  see  the 
very  man  of  all  others  who  they  have  expressed  confidence  in, 
removed.  I  would  not  have  taken  the  liberty  of  addressing 
the  Executive  of  the  United  States  thus,  but  for  the  conversa 
tion  on  the  subject  alluded  to  in  this  letter,  and  from  a  sense 
of  duty,  and  feeling  that  I  know  I  ain  right  in  this  matter. 

"  With  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 
"  (Signed)  "  U.  S.  GRANT,  General" 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.         293 

GENERAL  GRANT  LEAVES  THE  WAR  OFFICE. 

On  the  14th  of  January,  1868,  the  Senate  of  the  United 
States  declared  that  the  reasons  assigned  by  the  Presi 
dent  for  the  suspension  of  Secretary  Stanton  were  entirely 
insufficient,  and  that  that  gentleman  should  resume  the 
functions  of  his  office  at  once.  Mr.  Stanton  accordingly 
visited  the  War  office  and  took  possession.  General  Grant 
delivered  every  thing  into  his  hands,  and  notified  the 
President  of  his  action  in  the  following  note  : 

"  HEAD-QUARTEKS  ARMY  UNITED  STATES, 

" January  14,  1868. 
"His  Excellency,  A.  JOHNSON,  President. 

"  SIR  : — I  have  the  honor  to  inclose  herewith  a,  copy  of  offi 
cial  notice,  received  by  me  last  evening,  of  the  action  of  the 
Senate  of  the  United  States  in  the  case  of  Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton, 
Secretary  of  War,  according  to  the  provisions  of  an  act  regu 
lating  the  tenure  of  civil  offices.  My  function  of  Secretary  of 
War  ad  interim  ceased  from  the  moment  of  the  receipt  of  the 
within  notice. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT,  General." 

This  letter  when  published  created  the  wildest  excite 
ment,  as  it  proved  that  Grant  was  determined  to  obey  the 
laws  to  the  letter  and  to  bow  to  the  will  of  the  Senate. 
As  to  the  constitutionality  of  the  Tenure  of  Office  act  he 
said  it  was  not  proper  for  him  to  judge,  as  that  must  be 
left  to  the  Supreme  Court. 

GENERAL  GRANT  AND  PRESIDENT  JOHNSON. 

Secretary  Stanton  having  quietly  received  the  posses 
sion  of  the  War  office  from  General  Grant,  the  President 
accused  the  latter  of  betraying  him,  and  of  breaking  a 
promise  either  expressed  or  implied.  This  whole  matter 
is  completely  eliminated  in  the  following  correspondence, 
which  was  laid  before  Congress  on  the  fourth  of  February, 
1868,  and  which  greatly  augmented  the  excitement  among 
the  people  : 


294         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GKANT. 

E.   M.   STANTON  TO   SCHUYLER  COLFAX. 

"  WAR  DEPARTMENT,  February  4,  1868. 

"  SIR  : — In  answer  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Repre 
sentatives  on  the  8th,  I  transmit  herewith  copies  furnished  me 
by  General  Grant,  of  the  correspondence  between  him  and  the 
President,  relating  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  which  he  re 
ports  to  be  all  the  correspondence  he  had  with  the  President 
on  the  subject.  I  have  had  no  correspondence  with  the  Presi 
dent,  since  the  12th  of  August  last. 

"  After  the  action  of  the  Senate  on  his  alleged  reason  for 
my  suspension  from  the  office  of  Secretary  of  War,  1  resumed 
the  duties  of  that  office,  as  required  by  the  act  of  Congress, 
and  have  continued  to  discharge  them  without  any  personal 
or  written  communication  with  the  President.  No  orders  have 
been  issued  from  this  Department  in  the  name  of  the  Presi 
dent,  with  my  knowledge,  and  I  have  received  no  orders  from 
him. 

"  The  correspondence  sent  herewith,  embraces  all  the  corres 
pondence  known  to  me  on  the  subject  referred  to  in  the  resolu 
tion  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  with  great  respect,  your  obe 
dient  servant, 

"  EDWIN  M.  STANTON,  Secretary  of  War. 

"  Hon.  SCHUYLER  COLFAX,  Speaker  of  the   House  of  Represen 
tatives." 

GENERAL  GRANT  TO  THE  PRESIDENT. 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"  WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  January  25,  1868. 
"His   Excellency   ANDREW  JOHNSON,  President  of  the   United 

States, 

"  DEAR  SIR: — On  the  24th  instant,  I  requested  you  to  give 
me  in  writing,  the  instructions  which  you  had  previously  given 
me  verbally,  not  to  obey  any  order  from  Hon.  E.  M.  Stanton, 
Secretary  of  War,  unless  I  knew  that  it  came  from  yourself. 
To  this  written  request,  I  received  a  message,  that  has  Jeft 
doubt  in  my  mind  of  your  intentions.  To  prevent  any  possible 
misunderstanding,  therefore,  I  renew  the  request  that  you  will 
give  me  written  instructions,  and  until  they  are  received,  will 
suspend  action  on  your  verbal  ones.  I  am  compelled  to  ask 
these  instructions  in  writing,  in  consequence  of  the  many  gross 
misrepresentations  affecting  my  personal  honor,  circulated 
through  the  press  for  the  last  fortnight,  purporting  to  come 
from  the  President,  of  conversations  which  occurred  either 
with  the  President  privately,  in  his  office,  or  in  Cabinet  meet 
ing.  What  is  written,  admits  of  no  misunderstanding.  In 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.         295 

view  of  the  misrepresentations  referred  to,  it  will  be  well  to 
state  the  facts  in  the  case. 

"  Sometime  after  I  assumed  the  duties  of  Secretary  of  War, 
ad  interim,  the  President  asked  my  views  as  to  the  course  Mr. 
Stanton  would  have  to  pursue  in  case  the  Senate  should  not 
concur  in  his  suspension,  to   obtain   possession  of  his  office. 
My  reply  was,  in  substance,  that  Mr.  Stanton  would  have  to 
appeal  to  the  courts  to  reinstate  him,  illustrating  my  position 
by  citing  the  grounds  I  had  taken  in  the  case  of  the  Baltimore 
Police  Commissioners.     In  that  case,  I  did  not  doubt  the  tech 
nical  right  of  Governor  Swann  to  remove  the  old  Commis 
sioners,  and  to  appoint  their  successors,  as  the  old  Commis 
sioners  refused    to  give  up.     However,  I   contended  that  no 
resource  was  left  but  to  appeal  to  the  courts.     Finding  that 
the  President  was  desirous   of  keeping  Mr.  Stanton  out    of 
office,  whether  sustained  in  the  suspension  or  not,  I  stated  that 
I  had  not  looked  particularly  into  the  Tenure  of  Office  bill,  but 
that  what  I  had  stated,  was  a  general  principle,  and  if  I  should 
change  my  mind  in  this  particular  case,  I   would  inform  him 
of  the  fact.     Subsequently,  on  reading  the  Tenure  of  Office  bill 
closely,  I  found  that  I  could  not,  without  violation  of  the  law, 
refuse  to  vacate  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  War.  the  moment 
Mr.  Stanton  was  reinstated  by  the  Senate,  even   though  the 
President  ordered  me  to  retain  it,  which  he  never  did.     Taking 
this  view  of  the  subject,  and  learning  on  Saturday,  the  llth 
instant,  that  the  Senate  had  taken  up  the  subject  of  Stanton's 
suspension,  after  some  conversation  with  Lieutenant-General 
Sherman,  and  some  members  of  my  staff,  in  which  I  stated 
that  the  law  left  me  no  discretion  as  to  my  action,  should  Mr. 
Stanton  be  reinstated,  and  that  I  intended  to  inform  the  Presi 
dent,  I  went  to  the  President  for  the  sole  purpose  of  making 
this  decision  known,  and  did  so  make  it  known.     In  doing  this, 
I  fulfilled  the  promise  made  in  our  last  preceding  conversation 
on  the  subject.     The  President,  however,  instead  of  accepting 
my  view  of  the  requirements  of  the  Tenure  of  Office  bill,  con 
tended  that  he  had  suspended  Mr.  Stanton  under  the  authority 
given  by  the  Constitution,  and  that  the  same  authority  did  not 
preclude  him  from  reporting  as  an  act  of  coiirtesy,  his  reasons 
for  the  suspension  to  the  Senate.    That,  having  been  appointed 
under  the  authority  given  by  the  Constitution,  and  not  under 
any  act  of  Congress,  I  could  not  be  governed  by  the  act.     I 
stated  that  the  law  was  binding  on  me,  constitutional  or  not, 
until  set  aside  by  the  proper  tribunal.     An  hour  or  more  was 
consumed,   each  reiterating  his  views  on   this  subject,  until 
getting  late,  the  President  said  he  would  see  me  again.     I  did 
not  agree  to  call  again  on  Monday,  nor  at  any  other  definite 
time,  nor  was  I  sent  for  by  the  President,  until  the  following 
Tuesday.     From  the  llth  to  the  Cabinet  meeting  on  the  14th 
instant,  a  doubt  never  entered  my  mind  about  the  President's 


296         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S,   GKANT. 

fully  understanding  my  position,  namely :  That  if  the  Senate 
refused  to  concur  in  the  suspension  of  Mr.  Stanton,  my  powers 
as  Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim,  would  cease,  and  Mr.  Stan- 
ton's  right  to  resume,  at  once,  the  functions  of  his  office  would, 
under  the  law,  be  indisputable ;  and  I  acted  accordingly.  With 
Mr.  Stanton  I  had  no  communication,  direct  or  indirect,  on 
the  subject  of  his  reinstatement,  during  his  suspension.  I 
knew  it  had  been  recommended  to  the  President,  to  send  in 
the  name  of  Governor  Cox,  of  Ohio,  for  Secretary  of  War, 
and  thus  save  all  embarrassment;  a  proposition  that  I  sin 
cerely  hoped  he  would  entertain  favorably,  General  Sherman 
seeing  the  President  at  my  particular  request,  to  urge  this,  on 
the  13th  instant.  On  Tuesday,  the  day  Mr.  Stanton  re-entered 
the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  General  Comstock,  who  had 
carried  my  official  letter,  announcing  that,  with  Mr.  Stanton's 
reinstatement  by  the  Senate,  I  had  ceased  to  be  Secretary  of 
War,  ad  interim,  and  who  saw  the  President  open  and  read 
the  communication,  brought  back  to  me,  from  the  President,  a 
message  that  he  wanted  to  see  me  that  day,  at  the  Cabinet 
meeting,  after  I  had  made  known  the  fact  that  I  was  no  longer 
Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim.  At  this  meeting,  after  opening 
it  as  though  I  were  a  member  of  his  Cabinet,  when  reminded 
of  the  notification  already  given  him,  that  I  was  no  longer 
Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim,  the  President  gave  a  version  of 
the  conversation  alluded  to  already.  In  this  statement,  it  was 
asserted  that  in  both  conversations,  I  had  agreed  to  hold  on 
to  the  office  of  Secretary  of  War,  until  displaced  by  the  courts, 
or  resign  so  as  to  place  the  President  where  he  would  have 
been,  had  I  never  accepted  the  office.  After  hearing  the  Presi 
dent  through,  I  stated  our  conversations  substantially  as  given 
in  this  letter.  I  will  add  that  my  conversations  before  the 
Cabinet,  embraced  other  matter  not  pertinent  here,  and  is, 
therefore,  left  out.  I  in  nowise  admitted  the  correctness  of 
the  President's  statement  of  our  conversation,  though  to  soften 
the  evident  contradiction  my  statement  gave,  I  said,  alluding 
to  our  first  conversation  on  the  subject,  the  President  might  have 
understood  me  the  way  he  said,  namely,  that  I  had  promised  to 
resign  if  I  did  not  resist  the  reinstatement.  I  made  no  Sttc/i 
promise, 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient 
servant. 

"(Signed.)  « U.   S.   GRANT,  General." 

11  HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"  WASHINGTON,  January  24,  1868. 
"  His  Excellency  ANDREW  JOHNSON,  President  of  the  United 

States. 

"SiR:  I  have  the  honor,  very  respectfully,  to  request  to 
have  in  writing,  the  order  which  the  President  gave  me  ver 
bally,  on  Saturday,  the  19th  instant,  to  disregard  the  orders  of 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GKANT.          297 

the  Honorable  B.  M.  Stanton,  as  Secretary  of  War,  until  I 
knew  from  the  President  himself,  that  they  were  his  orders. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 
"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"(Signed.)  "  U.  S.  GRANT,  General" 

"  The  following  is  the  indorsement  on  the  above  note : 
"  As  requested  in  this  communication,  General  Grant  is  in 
structed,  in  writing,  not  to  obey  any  order  from  the  War 
Department,  assumed  to  be  issued  by  the  direction  of  the 
President,  unless  such  order  is  known  by  the  General  com 
manding  the  armies  of  the  United  States,  to  have  been  autho 
rized  by  the  Executive. 

"(Signed.)  "ANDREW  JOHNSON. 

"  January  29,  1868." 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMIES  OP  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"  WASHINGTON,  January  30,  1868. 
"  His  Excellency  ANDREW  JOHNSON,  President  of  the  United 

States. 

"  SIR  : — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  return  of  my 
note  of  the  24th  instant,  with  your  indorsement  thereon,  that 
I  am  not  to  obey  any  order  from  the  War  Department,  as 
sumed  to  be  issued  by  direction  of  the  President,  unless  such 
order  is  known  by  me  to  have  been  authorized  by  the  Execu 
tive,  and  in  reply  thereto,  to  say  that  I  am  informed,  by  the 
Secretary  of  War,  that  he  has  not  received  from  the  Execu 
tive  any  order  or  instructions,  limiting  or  impairing  his  autho 
rity  to  issue  orders  to  the  army,  as  has  heretofore  been  his 
practice,  under  the  law  and  customs  of  the  department.  While 
his  authority  to  issue  orders  from  the  War  Department,  is  not 
countermanded,  it  will  be  satisfactory  evidence  to  me  that  any 
orders  issued  from  the  War  Department  '  by  direction  of  the 
President,'  are  authorized  by  the  Executive. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 
"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"  (Signed.)  «  U.  S.  GRANT,  General" 

THE  PRESIDENT  TO   GENERAL  GRANT. 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION,  January  31,  1868 
"  GENERAL  : — I  have  received  your  communication  of  the 
28th  instant,  renewing  your  request  of  the  24th,  that  I  should 
repeat  in  a  written  form,  my  verbal  instructions  of  the  19th 
instant,  viz. :  '  That  you  obey  no  order  from  the  Honorable 
Edwin  M.  Stanton,  as  Secretary  of  War,  unless  you  have  in 
formation  that  it  was  issued  by  the  President's  direction.'  In 
submitting  this  request,  with  which  I  complied  on  the  29th 
instant,  you  take  occasion  to  allude  to  recent  publications  in 
reference  to  the  circumstances  connected  with  the  vacation  by 


298          LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

yourself,  of  the  office  of  Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim,  and 
with  the  view  of  correcting  the  statements  which  you  term 
'  gross  misrepresentations,'  and  give  at  length  your  own  re 
collections  of  the  facts  under  which,  without  the  sanction  of 
the  President,  from  whom  you  had  received  and  accepted  the 
appointment,  you  yielded  the  Department  of  War  to  the  pre 
sent  incumbent.  As  stated  in  your  communication,  sometime 
after  you  had  assumed  the  duties  as  Secretary  of  War,  ad  in 
terim,  we  interchanged  views  respecting  the  course  that  should 
be  pursued  in  the  event  of  the  non-concurrence  by  the  Senate 
in  the  suspension  of  Mr.  Stanton.  I  sought  that  interview, 
calling  myself  at  the  War  Department.  My  sole  object  in  thus 
bringing  the  subject  to  your  attention  was  to  ascertain  defi 
nitely  what  would  be  your  own  action,  should  such  an  attempt 
be  made  for  his  restoration  to  the  War  Department.  That 
object  was  accomplished,  for  the  interview  terminated  with  the 
distinct  understanding  that,  if  upon  reflection,  you  should  pre 
fer  not  to  become  a  party  to  the  controversy,  or  should  conclude 
that  it  would  be  your  duty  to  surrender  to  Mr.  Stanton,  upon 
action  in  his  favor  by  the  Senate,  you  were  to  return  the  office 
to  me,  prior  to  a  decision  by  the  Senate,  in  order  that,  if  I  de 
sired  to  do  so,  I  might  designate  some  one  to  succeed  you.  It 
must  have  been  apparent  to  you,  that  had  not  this  understand 
ing  been  reached,  it  was  my  purpose  to  relieve  you  from  the 
further  discharge  of  duties  as  Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim, 
and  to  appoint  some  other  person  in  that  capacity.  Other 
conversations  upon  the  subject  ensued,  all  of  them  having,  oil 
my  part,  the  same  object,  and  leading  to  the  same  conclusion 
as  the  first.  It  is  not  necessary,  however,  to  refer  to  any  of 
them,  excepting  that  of  Saturday,  the  llth  instant,  mentioned 
in  your  communication.  As  it  was  then  known  that  the  Senate 
had  proceeded  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Stanton,  I  was  anxious 
to  learn  your  determination.  After  a  protracted  interview, 
during  which  the  provisions  of  the  tenure  of  office  bill  were 
fully  discussed,  you  said  that  as  it  had  been  agreed  upon  in  our 
first  conference,  you  would  either  return  the  office  to  my  posses 
sion,  in  time  to  enable  me  to  appoint  a  successor  before  final 
action  by  the  Senate  upon  Mr.  Stanton' 's  suspension,  or  would 
remain  as  its  head,  avmiting  a  decision  of  the  question  by 
judicial  proceedings.  It  was  then  understood  that  there  would 
be  a  further  conference  on  Monday,  by  which  time  I  supposed 
you  would  be  prepared  to  inform  me  of  your  final  decision. 
You  failed,  however,  to  fulfil  the  engagement,  and  on  Tuesday 
notified  me  in  writing  of  the  receipt  of  your  official  notification 
of  the  action  of  the  Senate  in  the  case  of  Mr.  Stanton,  and  at 
the  same  time  informed  me  that,  according  to  the  act  regula 
ting  the  tenure  of  certain  civil  officers,  your  functions  as  Secre 
tary  of  War,  ad  interim,  ceased  from  the  moment  at  receipt  of 
notice.  You  thus,  in  disregard  of  the  understanding  between 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.         299 

us,  vacated  the  office  without  having  given  me  notice  of  your 
intention  to  do  so.  It  is  but  just,  however,  to  say  that,  in 
your  communication,  you  claim  that  you  did  inform  me  of 
your  purpose,  and  thus  fulfilled  the  promise  made  in  our  last 
preceding  conversation  on  the  subject.  The  fact  that  even  a 
promise  existed,  is  evidence  of  an  arrangement  of  the  kind  I 
have  mentioned.  You  had  found  in  our  first  conference, 
that  the  President  was  desirous  of  keeping  Mr.  Stanton  out 
of  office,  whether  sustained  in  the  suspension  or  not.  You 
knew  what  reasons  had  induced  the  President  to  ask  from  you 
a  promise.  You  also  knew  that  in  case  your  views  of  duty  did 
not  accord  with  his  own  convictions,  it  was  his  purpose  to  fill 
your  place  by  another  appointment,  even  ignoring  the  exist 
ence  of  a  positive  understanding  between  as.  The  conclusions 
were  plainly  deducible  from  our  various  conversations.  It  is 
certain,  however,  that,  even  under  these  circumstances,  you 
did  not  oifer  to  return  the  place  to  my  possession,  but,  accord 
ing  to  your  own  statement,  placed  yourself  in  a  position, 
where,  could  I  have  anticipated  your  action,  I  would  have  been 
compelled  to  ask  of  you,  as  I  was  compelled  to  ask  of  your 
predecessor  in  the  War  Department,  a  letter  of  resignation,  or 
else  to  resort  to  the  more  disagreeable  expedient  of  suspending 
you,  by  the  appointment  of  a  successor.  As  stated  in  your 
letter,  the  nomination  of  Governor  Cox,  of  Ohio,  for  the  office 
of  Secretary  of  War,  was  suggested  to  me.  This  appointment, 
as  Mr.  Stanton's  successor,  was  urged  in  your  name,  and  it 
was  said  that  his  selection  would  save  further  embarrassment. 
I  did  riot  think  that  in  the  selection  of  a  Cabinet  officer,  I 
should  be  trammelled  by  such  considerations.  I  was  prepared 
to  take  the  responsibility  of  deciding  the  question  in  accord 
ance  with  my  ideas  of  constitutional  duty,  and  having  deter 
mined  upon  a  course  which  I  deemed  right  and  proper,  was 
anxious  to  learn  the  steps  you  would  take,  should  the  posses 
sion  of  the  War  Department  be  demanded  by  Mr.  Stanton. 
Had  your  action  been  in  conformity  with  the  understanding 
between  us,  I  do  not  believe  that  the  embarrassment  would 
have  attained  its  present  proportions,  or  that  the  probability 
of  its  repetition  would  have  been  so  great.  1  know  that  with 
a  view  to  an  early  termination  of  a  state  of  affairs  so  detri 
mental  to  the  public  interests,  you  voluntarily  offered,  both  on 
Monday,  the  15th  instant,  and  on  the  succeeding  Sunday,  to 
call  upon  Mr.  Stanton  and  urge  upon  him  that  the  good  of  the 
service  required  his  resignation.  I  confess  that  I  considered 
your  proposal  as  a  sort  of  reparation  for  the  failure  on  your 
part  to  act  in  accordance  with  an  understanding  more  than 
once  repeated,  which  I  thought  had  received  your  full  assent, 
and  under  which  you  could  have  returned  to  me  the  office  I  had 
conferred  upon  you,  thus  saving  yourself  from  embarrassment 
and  leaving  the  responsibility  where  it  properly  belonged,  with 
19 


300          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

the  President,  who  is  accountable  for  the  full  execution  of  the 
law.  I  have  not  yet  been  informed  by  you  whether,  as  twict 
proposed  by  yourself,  you  had  called  upon  Mr.  Stanton  and 
made  an  effort  to  induce  him  voluntarily  to  resign  from  the 
War  Department. 

"  You  conclude  your  communication  with  a  reference  to  our 
conversation  at  the  meeting  of  the  Cabinet  held  on  Tuesday, 
the  14th  instant.  In  your  account  of  what  then  occurred  you 
say  that,  '  after  the  President  had  given  his  version  of  our 
previous  conversations/  you  stated  them  substantially  as  given 
in  your  letter,  and  that  you  in  no  wise  admitted  the  correct 
ness  of  his  statement  of  them ;  though  '  to  soften  the  evident 
contradiction  my  statement  gave,  I  said,  alluding  to  our  first 
communication  on  the  subject,  the  President  might  have  un 
derstood  in  the  way  he  said,  viz.,  that  I  had  promised  to  resign 
if  I  did  not  resist  the  reinstatement.  I  made  no  such  promise.' 
My  recollection  of  what  then  transpired  is  diametrically  the 
reverse  of  your  narration.  In  the  presence  of  the  Cabinet  I 
asked  you,  first,  if,  in  a  conversation  which  took  place  shortly 
after  your  appointment  as  Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim,  you 
did  not  agree  either  to  remain  at  the  head  of  the  War  Depart 
ment  and  abide  any  judicial  proceedings  that  might  follow  the 
non-concurrence  by  the  Senate  in  Mr.  Stanton's  suspension ; 
or  should  you  wish  not  to  become  involved  in  such  a  contro 
versy  to  put  me  in  the  same  position  with  respect  to  the  office 
as  I  occupied  previous  to  your  appointment,  by  returning  it  to 
me  in  time  to  anticipate  such  action  by  the  Senate  ?  This  you 
admitted.  Second,  I  then  asked  you  if,  at  the  conference  on 
the  preceding  Saturday  I  had  not,  to  avoid  misunderstanding, 
requested  you  to  state  what  you  intended  to  do ;  and  further,  if  in 
reply  to  that  inquiry  you  had  not  referred  to  my  former  conversa 
tion,  saying  that  from  them  I  understood  your  position,  and 
that  your  action  would  be  consistent  with  the  understanding 
which  had  been  reached.  To  these  questions  you  also  replied 
in  the  affirmative.  Third,  I  next  asked  if,  at  the  conclusion  of 
our  interview  on  Saturday,  it  was  not  understood  that  we  were 
to  have  another  conference  on  Monday,  before  final  action  by 
the  Senate  on  the  case  of  Mr.  Stanton.  You  replied  that  such 
was  the  understanding,  but  that  you  did  not  suppose  the 
Senate  would  act  so  soon ;  that  on  Monday  you  had  been 
engaged  in  a  conference  with  General  Sherman  and  were 
occupied  with  'many  little  matters,'  and  asked  if  General 
Sherman  had  not  called  on  that  day.  What  relevancy  General 
Sherman's  visit  to  me  on  Monday  had  with  the  purpose  for 
which  you  were  to  have  called  I  am  at  a  loss  to  perceive,  as  he 
certainly  did  not  inform  me  whether  you  had  determined  to 
retain  possession  of  the  office,  or  to  afford  me  an  opportunity 
to  appoint  a  successor  in  advance  of  any  attempted  reinstate 
ment  of  Mr.  Stanton.  This  account  of  what  passed  between 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.         301 

us  at  the  Cabinet  meeting  on  the  14th  instant  widely  differs 
from  that  contained  in  your  communication,  for  it  shows  that 
instead  of  having  '  stated  our  conversations  as  given  in  the 
letter,'  which  has  made  this  reply  necessary,  you  admitted  that 
my  recital  of  them  was  entirely  accurate.  Sincerely  anxious, 
however,  to  be  correct  in  my  statements,  I  have  to-day  read 
this  narration  of  what  occurred  on  the  14th  instant  to  the 
members  of  the  Cabinet  who  were  then  present.  They,  with 
out  exception,  agree  in  its  accuracy.  It  is  only  necessary  to 
add  that  on  Wednesday  morning,  the  5th,  you  called  on  me  in 
company  with  Lieutenant-General  Sherman.  After  some  pre 
liminary  conversation  you  remarked  that  an  article  in  the 
National  Intelligencer  of  that  date  did  you  much  injustice.  I 
replied  that  I  had  not  read  the  Intelligencer  of  that  morning. 
You  first  told  me  that  it  was  your  intention  to  urge  Mr.  Stan- 
ton  to  resign  his  office.  After  you  had  withdrawn  I  carefully 
read  the  article  to  which  you  h$d  spoken,  and  fo-und  that  its 
statement  of  the  understanding  between  us  was  substantially 
correct.  On  the  1 7th  I  caused  it  to  be  read  to  four  of  the  five 
members  of  the  Cabinet  who  were  present  at  our  conference  on 
the  14th,  and  they  concurred  in  the  general  accuracy  of  its 
statements  respecting  our  conversation  upon  that  occasion. 

"  In  reply  to  your  communication,  I  have  deemed  it  proper, 
in  order  to  prevent  further  misunderstanding,  to  make  the 
simple  recital  of  facts. 

"  Very  respectfully  yours,  "  ANDREW  JOHNSON. 

"  General  U.  S.  GRANT,  Commanding  United  States  Armies" 

GENERAL  GRANT  TO  THE  PRESIDENT. 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS,  ARMY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 

"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  February  3,  1868. 
"  To  his  Excellency,  ANDREW  JOHNSON,  President  of  the  United 

States  : 

11  SIR  : — I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
communication  of  the  31st  ultimo,  in  answer  to  mine  of  the  28th 
ultimo.  After  a  careful  reading  and  comparison  of  it  with  the 
article  in  the  National  Intelligencer  of  the  15th  ultimo,  the 
article,  over  the  initials  '  J.  B.  S.,'  in  the  New  York  WORLD  of 
the  27th.  ultimo,  purporting  to  be  based  upon  your  statement 
and  that  of  the  members  of  the  Cabinet  therein  named,  I  find 
it  only  to  be  a  reiteration,  only  somewhat  more  in  detail,  of  the 
many  and  gross  misrepresentations  contained  in  these  articles, 
and  which  my  statement  of  facts  set  forth  in  my  letter  of  the 
25 th  ultimo,  was  intended  to  correct;  and  here  reasssert  the 
correctness  of  my  statements  in  that  letter,  any  thing  in  yours  in 
reply  to  it  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  "  I  confess  my  sur 
prise  that  the  Cabinet  officers  referred  to  should  so  greatly 
misapprehend  the  facts  in  the  matter  of  admissions  alleged  to 


302         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.    GRANT. 

have  been  made  by  me  at  the  Cabinet  meeting  on  the  14th 
ulto.,  as  to  suffer  their  names  to  be  made  the  basis  of  the 
charges  in  the  newspaper  article  referred  to,  or  agree  to  the 
accuracy,  as  you  affirm  they  do,  of  your  account  of  what 
occurred  at  that  meeting.  You  know  that  we  parted  on 
Saturday,  the  llth  ult.,  without  any  promise  on  my  part, 
either  expressed  or  implied,  to  the  effect  that  I  would  hold  on 
to  the  office  of  Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim,  against  the  action 
of  the  Senate,  or  declining  to  do  so  myself  would  surrender  it 
to  you  before  such  action  was  had,  or  that>  I  would  see  you 
again  at  any  fixed  time  on  the  subject.  The  performance  of 
the  promises,  alleged  to  have  been  made  by  me,  would  have 
involved  a  resistance  of  the  law,  and  an  inconsistency  with  the 
whole  history  of  my  connection  with  the  suspension  of  Mr. 
Stanton.  From  our  conversation  and  my  written  protest  of 
August  1.  1867,  against  the  removal  of  Mr.  Stanton,  you  must 
have  known  that  my  greates^objection  to  his  removal  was  the 
fear  that  some  one  would  be  appointed  in  his  stead,  who  would, 
by  opposition  to  the  laws  relating  to  the  restoration  of  the 
Southern  States  to  their  proper  relation  to  the  government, 
embarrass  the  army  in  the  performance  of  the  duties  especially 
imposed  upon  it  by  the  laws,  and  that  it  was  to  prevent  such 
an  appointment  that  I  accepted  the  appointment  of  Secretary 
of  War,  ad  interim,  and  not  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  you  to 
get  rid  of  Mr.  Stanton  by  my  withholding  it  from  him  in  opposi 
tion  to  the  law,  or,  not  doing  so  myself,  surrender  to  one,  who, 
as  the  statements  and  assumptions  in  your  communication 
plainly  indicate,  was  sought ;  and  it  was  to  avoid  this  danger 
as  well  as  to  relieve  you  from  the  personal  embarrassment 
in  which  Mr.  Stanton's  resignation  would  place  you  that  I 
urged  the  appointment  of  Governor  Cox,  believing  that  it 
would  be  agreeable  to  you  and  also  to  Mr.  Stanton,  satisfied 
as  I  was  that  it  was  the  good  of  the  country  and  not  the  office 
the  latter  desired.  On  the  13th  ultimo,  in  the  presence  of 
General  Sherman,  I  stated  to  you  that  I  thought  Mr.  Stanton 
would  resign,  but  did  not  say  that  I  would  advise  him  to  do  so. 
On  the  18th  /  did  agree  with  General  Sherman  to  go  and 
advise  him  to  that  course,  and  on  the  19th  I  had  an  interview 
alone  with  Mr.  Stanton,  which  led  me  to  the  conclusion  that 
any  advice  to  him  of  this  kind  would  be  useless,  and  so  informed 
General  Sherman.  Before  I  consented  to  advise  Mr.  Stanton 
to  resign  I  understood  from  him,  in  a  conversation  on  the  sub 
ject  immediately  after  his  reinstatement,  that  it  was  his  opinion 
that  the  act  of  Congress  entitled  '  an  act  temporarily  to  supply 
vacancies  in  the  Executive  department  in  certain  cases,'  ap 
proved  February  20,  1863,  was  repealed  by  subsequent  legisla 
tion,  which  materially  influenced  my  action.  Previous  to  this 
time  I  had  no  doubt  that  the  law  of  1863  was  still  in  force,  and 
notwithstanding  my  action  a  fuller  examination  of  the  law 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.    GRANT.         303 

leaves  a  question  in  my  mind  whether  it  is  or  is  not  repealed. 
This  being  the  case  I  could  not  now  advise  his  resignation,  lest 
the  same  danger  I  apprehended  from  his  first  removal  might 
follow.  The  course  you  would  have  it  understood  I  agreed  to 
pursue  was  in  violation  of  law,  and  that  without  orders  from 
you,  while  the  course  I  did  pursue,  and  which  I  never  doubted 
you  fully  understood,  was  not  in  disobedience  to  any  orders  of 
my  superior. 

"And  now,  Mr.  President,  when  my  honor  as  a  soldier  and 
integrity  as  a  man  have  been  so  violently  assailed,  pardon  me 
for  saying  that  I  can  but  regard  this  whole  matter,  from 
beginning  to  end,  as  an  attempt  to  involve  me  in  the  resistance 
of  law  for  luhich  you  hesitated  to  assume  the  responsibility,  in 
order  thus  to  destroy  my  character  before  the  country.  I  am 
in  a  measure  confirmed  in  this  conclusion  by  your  recent  orders 
directing  me  to  disobey  orders  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  my 
superior  and  your  subordinate,  without  having  countermanded 
his  authority  to  issue  the  orders  I  am  to  disobey. 

"With  assurance,  Mr.  President,  that  nothing  less  than  a 
vindication  of  my  personal  honor  and  character  could  have 
induced  this  correspondence  on  my  part,  I  have  the  honor  to 
be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT,  General" 

The  sequel  to  this  correspondence  is  familiar  to  every 
body.  The  President  was,  in  a  few  days,  after  its  publi 
cation,  impeached  by  the  House  of  Representatives,  Mr. 
Stanton  retaining  his  position.  Following  the  reinstate 
ment  of  Stanton,  however,  the  President  appointed  Bre 
vet  Major-General  Lorenzo  Thomas  to  act  as  Secretary  of 
War,  ad  interim,  thus  attempting  to  re-suspend  Secre 
tary  Stanton,  but  the  latter  refused  to  give  up  his  office, 
and  this  action  precipitated  matters  and  brought  the 
question  of  impeachment  to  an  issue  at  once. 

QUESTION     OP     VERACITY      BETWEEN     THE 
PRESIDENT  AND   GENERAL   GRANT. 

The  published  correspondence  given,  raised  a  question 
of  veracity  between  President  Johnson  and  General 
Grant,  as  may  be  plainly  observed,  and  Mr.  Johnson 
thought  fit  to  write  another  letter  to  General  Grant,  en 
closing  letters  from  the  Cabinet  officers,  to  show  that  his 
(Johnson's)  statements  relative  to  certain  promises  made 


304         LIFE   OF   GENEBAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

by  General  Grant  were  correct.  In  order  to  keep  our 
narrative  unbroken,  and  at  the  same  time  speak  officially, 
we  here  reproduce  the  final  correspondence  and  state 
ments  of  the  members  of  Mr.  Johnson's  Cabinet : 

THE  PRESIDENT  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION, 
"  February  10,  1868. 

"  GENERAL  : — The  extraordinary  character  of  your  letter  of 
the  3d  instant  would  seem  to  preclude  any  reply  on  my  part, 
but  the  manner  in  which  publicity  has  been  given  to  the  corre 
spondence  of  which  that  letter  forms  a  part,  and  the  grave 
questions  which  are  involved,  induce  me  to  take  this  mode  of 
giving,  as  a  proper  sequel  to  the  communications  which  have 
passed  between  us,  the  statements  of  the  five  members  of  the 
Cabinet  who  were  present  on  the  occasion  of  our  conversation 
on  the  14th  ultimo.  Copies  of  the  letters  which  they  have  ad 
dressed  to  me  upon  the  subject  are  accordingly  herewith  in 
closed. 

"  You  speak  of  my  letter  of  the  31st  ultimo  as  a  reiteration 
of  the  many  and  gross  misrepresentations  contained  in  certain 
newspaper  articles,  and  reassert  the  correctness  of  the  state 
ment  contained  in  your  communication  of  the  28th  ult.,  add 
ing,  and  here  I  give  your  own  words,  '  Anything  in  yours  in 
reply  to  it  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.'  When  a  contro 
versy  upon  matters  of  fact  reaches  the  point  to  which  this  has 
been  brought,  further  assertion  or  denial  between  the  immediate 
parties  should  cease,  especially  when  upon  either  side  it  loses 
the  character  of  the  respectful  discussion  which  is  required  by 
the  relations  in  which  the  parties  stand  to  each  other,  and  de 
generates  in  tone  and  temper.  In  such  a  case  if  there  is  nothing 
to  rely  upon  but  the  opposing  statements,  conclusions  must  be 
drawn  from  those  statements  alone,  and  from  whatever  intrin 
sic  probabilities  they  afford  in  favor  of  or  against  either  of  the 
parties,  I  should  not  shrink  from  the  controversy. 

"  But  fortunately  it  is  not  left  to  this  test  alone.  There  were 
five  Cabinet  officers  present  at  the  conversation,  the  details  of 
which,  in  ray  letter  of  the  28th  ultimo,  you  allow  yourself  to 
say  contains  '  many  and  gross  misrepresentations.'  These 
gentlemen  heard  that  conversation,  and  have  read  my  s..tute- 
ment.  They  speak  for  themselves,  and  I  leave  the  proof  with 
out  a  word  of  comment. 

"  I  deem  it  proper  before  concluding  this  communication  to 
notice  some  of  the  statements  contained  in  your  letter.  You 
say  that  a  performance  of  the  promise,  alleged  to  have  been 
made  by  you  to  the  President  '  would  have  involved  a  resist- 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.         305 

ance  to  law,  and  an  inconsistency  with  the  whole  history  of  my 
connection  with  the  suspension  of  Mr.  Stanton.'  You  then  state 
that  you  had  fears  the  President  would  on  the  removal  of  Mr. 
8 1  ant  on,  appoint  some  one  in  his  place  who  would  embarrass 
the  army  in  carrying  out  the  reconstruction  acts,  and  add : 

"  '  It  was  to  prevent  such  an  appointment  that  I  accepted  the 
office  of  Secretary  of  War,  ad  interim,  and  not  for  the  purpose 
of  enabling-  you  to  get  rid  of  Mr.  Stanton  by  my  withholding 
it  from  him,  in  opposition  to  the  law,  or  not  doing  so  myself, 
surrendering  it  to  one  who  would,  as  the  statements  and  as 
sumptions  in  your  communication  plainly  indicate  was  sought, 
first  of  all.' 

"  You  here  admit  that  from  the  very  beginning  of  what  you 
term  the  whole  history  of  your  connection  with  Mr.  Stanton's 
suspension  you  intended  to  circumvent  the  President.  It  was 
to  carry  out  that  intent  that  you  accepted  the  appointment ; 
this  was  in  your  mind  at  the  time  of  your  acceptance.  It  was 
not  then,  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  your  superior,  as  has 
heretofore  been  supposed,  that  you  assumed  the  duties  of  the 
office.  You  knew  it  was  the  President's  purpose  to  prevent 
Stanton  from  resuming  the  office  of  Secretary  of  War,  and  you 
intended  to  defeat  that  purpose.  You  accepted  the  office,  not 
in  the  interest  of  the  President  but  of  Mr.  Stanton. 

'•  If  this  purpose,  so  entertained  by  you,  had  been  confined 
to  yourself — if,  when  accepting  the  office,  you  had  done  so  with 
a  mental  reservation  to  frustate  the  President — it  would  have 
been  a  tacit  deception.  In  the  ethics  of  some  persons  such  a 
course  is  allowable,  but  you  cannot  stand  even  upon  that- 
questionable  ground.  The  history  of  your  connection  with  this 
transaction,  as  written  by  yourself,  places  you  in  a  different 
predicament,  and  shows  that  you  riot  only  concealed  your  de 
sign  from  the  President,  but  induced  him  to  suppose  that  you 
would  carry  out  his  purpose  to  keep  Mr.  Stanton  out  of  office 
by  retaining  it  yourself,  after  an  attempted  restoration  by  the 
Senate,  so  as  to  require  Mr.  Stanton  to  establish  his  right  by 
judicial  decision. 

"  I  now  give  that  part  of  this  history  as  written  by  yourself 
in  your  letter  of  the  28th  ultimo  : 

"  |  Some  time  after  I  assumed  the  duties  of  Secretary  of  War, 
ad  interim,  the  President  asked  me  my  views  as  to  the  course 
Mr.  Stanton  would  have  to  pursue  in  case  the  Senate  should 
not  concur  in  his  suspension,  to  obtain  possession  of  his  office. 
My  reply  was  in  substance  that  Mr.  Stanton  would  have  to 
appeal  to  the  courts  to  reinstate  him,  illustrating  my  position 
by  citing  the  ground  I  had  taken  in  the  case  of  the  Baltimore 
Police  Commissioners.' 

"  Now,  at  that  time,  you  admit  in  your  letter  of  the  3d  inst., 
you  held  the  office  for  the  very  object  of  defeating  an  appeal  to 


306          LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

the  court ;  in  that  letter  yon  say  that  in  accepting  the  office 
one  motive  was  to  prevent  the  President  from  appointing  some 
other  person  who  would  retain  possession,  and  thus  make  judi 
cial  proceedings  necessary.  You  knew  the  President  was  un 
willing  to  trust  the  office  with  any  one  who  would  not,  by 
holding  it,  compel  Mr.  Stanton  to  resort  to  the  courts.  You 
perfectly  understood  that  in  this  interview.  Some  time  after 
you  accepted  the  office,  the  President,  not  content  with  your 
silence,  desired  an  expression  of  your  views,  and  you  answered 
him,  that  Mr.  Stanton  '  would  have  to  appeal  to  the  court.'  If 
the  President  had  reposed  confidence  '  before'  he  knew  your 
views,  and  that  confidence  had  been  violated,  it  might  have 
been  said  he  made  a  mistake;  but  a  violation  of  confidence 
reposed  'after'  that  conversation  was  no  mistake  of  his,  nor  of 
yours ;  it  is  the  fact  only  that  needs  be  stated,  that  at  the  date 
of  this  conversation  you  did  not  intend  to  hold  the  office  with 
the  purpose  of  forcing  Mr.  Stanton  into  court,  but  did  hold  it 
then,  and  had  accepted  it,  to  prevent  that  course  from  being 
carried  out.  In  other  words  you  said  to  the  President  '  That 
is  the  proper  course,'  and  you  said  to  yourself,  'I  have  accepted 
this  office,  and  now  hold  it  to  defeat  that  course.' 

"The  excuse  you  make  in  a  subsequent  paragraph  of  that 
letter  of  the  28th  ultimo,  that  afterwards  you  changed  your 
views  as  to  what  would  be  a  proper  course,  has  nothing  to  do 
with  the  point  now  under  consideration.  The  point  is,  that 
before  you  changed  your  views  you  had  secretly  determined  to 
do  the  very  thing  which  at  last  you  did — surrender  the  office 
to  Mr.  Stanton.  You  may  have  changed  your  views  as  to  the 
law,  but  you  certainly  did  not  change  your  views  as  to  the 
course  you  had  marked  out  for  yourself  from  the  beginning. 

"  I  will  only  notice  one  more  statement  in  your  letter  of  the 
3d  instant,  that  the  performance  of  the  promises  which  it  is 
alleged  were  made  by  you  would  have  involved  you  in  the 
resistance  of  law,  I  know  no  statute  that  would  have  been 
violated  had  you,  carrying  out  your  promises  in  good  faith, 
tendered  your  resignation  when  you  concluded  not  to  be  made 
a  party  in  any  legal  proceeding. 

"  You  add : 

"  '  I  am  in  a  measure  confirmed  in  this  conclusion  by  your 
recent  order  directing  me  to  disobey  orders  from  the  Secretary 
of  War,  my  superior  and  your  subordinate,  without  having 
countermanded  his  authority  to  issue  the  orders  I  am  to  dis 
obey.' 

"On  the  24th  ultimo,  you  addressed  a  note  to  the  President 
requesting  in  writing  an  order  given  to  you  verbally  five  days 
before,  to  disregard  orders  from  Mr.  Stanton,  as  Secretary  of 
War,  until  you  knew  from  the  President  himself  that  they 
were  his  orders.  On  the  29th,  in  compliance  with  your  request, 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.          307 

I  did  a:ive  you  instructions  in  writing  not  to  obey  any  order 
from  the  War  Department  assumed  to  be  issued  by  the  direc 
tion  of  the  President,  unless  such  order  is  known  by  the 
General  commanding  the  armies  of  the  United  States  to  have 
been  authorized  by  the  Executive.  There  are  some  orders 
which  a  Secretary  of  War  may  issue  without  the  authority  of 
the  President.  There  are  others  which  he  issues  simply  as 
the  agent  of  the  President,  and  which  purport  to  be  by  direc 
tion  of  the  President.  For  such  orders  the  President  is  re 
sponsible,  and  he  should  therefore  know  and  understand  what 
they  are  before  giving  such  direction.  Mr.  Stanton  states  in 
his  letter  of  the  4th  instant,  which  accompanies  the  published 
correspondence,  that  he  has  had  no  correspondence  with  the 
President  since  the  12th  of  August  last.  And  he  further  says 
that  since  he  resumed  the  duties  of  the  office  he  has  continued 
to  discharge  them  without  any,  personal  or  written,  communi 
cation  with  the  President,  and  he  adds  :  '  No  orders  have  been 
issued  from  this  department  in  the  name  of  the  President,  with 
my  knowledge,  and  I  have  received  no  orders  from  him.' 

"  It  thus  seems  that  Mr.  Stanton  now  discharges  the  duties 
of  the  War  Department  without  any  reference  to  the  President, 
and  without  using  his  name.  My  orders  to  you  had  only 
reference  to  orders  assumed  to  be  issued  by  the  President. 

"  It  would  appear  from  Mr.  Stanton's  letter  that  you  have 
received  no  such  orders  from  him.  In  your  note  to  the  Presi 
dent  of  the  12th  ultimo,  in  which  you  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  the  written  order  of  the  29th,  you  say  that  you  have  been 
informed  by  Mr.  Stanton  that  he  has  not  received  any  order 
limiting  his  authority  to  issue  orders  to  the  army,  according  to 
the  practice  of  the  Department,  and  state  that,  '  while  this 
authority  to  the  War  Department  is  not  countermanded,  it  will 
be  satisfactory  evidence  to  me  that  any  orders  issued  from  the 
War  Department,  by  direction  of  the  President,  are  authorized 
by  the  Executive :' 

"The  President  issues  an  order  to  you  to  obey  no  order  from 
the  War  Department  purporting  to  be  made  '  by  the  direction 
of  the  President'  until  you  have  referred  it  to  him  for  his 
approval.  You  reply  that  you  have  received  the  President's 
order  and  will  not  obey  it,  but  will  obey  an  order  purporting  to 
be  given  by  his  direction  if  it  comes  from  the  War  Department. 
You  will  obey  no  direct  order  of  the  President,  but  will  obey  his 
indirect  order.  If,  as  you  say,  there  has  been  a  practice  in  the 
War  Department  to  issue  orders  in  the  name  of  the  President, 
without  his  direction,  does  not  the  precise  order  you  have  re 
quested  and  have  received  Change  the  practice  as  to  the  Gene 
ral  of  the  Army  ?  Could  not  the  President  countermand  any 
such  order  issued  to  you  from  the  War  Department  ?  If  you 
should  receive  an  order  from  that  Department  issued  in  the 
name  of  the  President  to  do  a  special  act,  and  an  order  directly 


308          LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

from  the  President  himself  not  to  do  the  act,  is  there  a  doubt 
which  you  are  to  obey?  You  answer  the  question  when  you 
say  to  the  President  in  your  letter  of  the  3d  inst.,  the  '  Secre 
tary  of  War  is  your  superior  and  my  subordinate.'  And  yet 
you  refuse  obedience  to  the  superior  out  of  deference  to  the 
subordinate  !  Without  further  comment  upon  the  insubordi 
nate  attitude  which  you  have  assumed,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know 
how  you  can  relieve  yourself  from  the  orders  of  the  President, 
who  is  made  by  the  Constitution,  the  Commander-in-Chief  of 
the  Army  and  Navy,  and  is,  therefore,  the  official  superior  as 
well  of  the  General  of  the  Army  as  of  the  Secretary  of  War. 

"  Respectfully  yours, 

"ANDREW  JOHNSON-, 

"  General  U.  S.  GRANT,   Commanding  Armies  of  the   United 
States,  Washington,  D.  C." 

LETTERS  PROM  CABINET  OFFICERS. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  addressed  to  each  of 
the  members  of  the  Cabinet  present  at  the  conversation 
between  the  President  arid  General  Grant,  on  the  14th  of 

January,  1868  : 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION, 
"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  February  5,  1868. 

"Sin:  The  Chronicle  of  this  morning  contains  a  correspond 
ence  between  the  President  and  General  Grant,  reported  from 
the  War  Department  in  answer  to  a  resolution  of  the  House  of 
Representatives. 

"1  beg  to  call  your  attention  to  that  correspondence,  and 
especially  to  that  part  of  it  which  refers  to  the  conversation 
between  the  President  and  General  Grant  at  the  Cabinet  meet 
ing  on  Tuesday,  the  14th  of  January,  and  to  request  you  to 
state  what  was  said  in  that  conversation. 

"  Yery  respectfully,  yours, 

"ANDREW  JOHNSON." 

REPLY  OF  SECRETARY  WELLES. 

"  WASHINGTON,  February  5,  1867. 

"  SIR  :  Your  note  of  this  date  was  handed  to  rne  this  evening. 
My  recollection  of  the  conversation  of  the  Cabinet  meeting  on 
Tuesday,  the  14th  of  January,  corresponds  with  your  statement 
of  it  in  the  letter  of  the  31st  ultimo,  in  the  published  corres 
pondence^  The  three  points  specified  in  that  letter  giving  your 
recollection  of  the  conversation  are  correctly  stated. 

*'  Yery  respectfully, 

"  GIDEON  WELLES." 

REPLY  OF  SECRETARY  M'CULLOCH. 

"TREASURY  DEPARTMENT,  February   6,  1868. 
"SiR :  I  have  received  your  note  of  the  5th  inst,  calling  my 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.          309 

attention  to  the  correspondence  between  yourself  and  General 
Grant  as  published  in  the  Chronicle  of  yesterday,  especially  to 
that  part  of  it  which  relates  to  what  occurred  in  the  Cabinet 
meeting  on  Tuesday,  the  14th  ultimo,  and  requesting  me  to 
state  what  was  said  in  the  conversation  referred  to.  I  cannot 
undertake  to  state  the  precise  language  used,  but  I  have  no 
hesitation  in  saying  that  your  account  of  that  conversation  as 
given  in  your  letter  to  General  Grant,  under  date  of  the  31st 
ultimo,  substantially,  in  all  important  particulars,  accords  with 
my  recollection  of  it. 

"  With  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

"To  the  President."  "  HUGH  M'CULLOCH." 

REPLY  OP  SECRETARY  SEWARD. 

"  DEPARTMENT  OF  STATE, 
"WASHINGTON,  February  6,  1868. 

"  SIR  :  The  meeting  to  which  you  refer  in  your  letter  was  a 
regular  Cabinet  meeting.  While  the  members  were  assembling, 
and  before  the  President  had  entered  the  Council  chamber, 
General  Grant,  on  coming  in,  said  to  me  that  he  was  there,  not 
as  a  member  of  the  Cabinet,  but  upon  invitation,  and  I  replied 
by  the  inquiry  whether  there  was  a  change  in  the  War  Depart 
ment. 

"After  the  President  had  taken  his  seat,  business  went  on  in 
the  usual  way  of  hearing  matters  submitted  by  the  several  Sec 
retaries.  When  the  time  came  for  the  Secretary  of  War,  Gene 
ral  Grant  said  that  he  was  now  there,  not  as  Secretary  of  War, 
but  upon  the  President's  invitation ;  that  he  had  retired  from 
the  War  Department. 

"A  slight  difference  then  appeared  about  the  supposed  invi 
tation,  General  Grant  saying  that  the  officers  who  had  borne 
his  letter  to  the  President  that  morning,  announcing  his  retire 
ment  from  the  War  Department,  had  told  him  that  the  President 
desired  to  see  him  at  the  Cabinet  meeting,  to  which  the  President 
answered :  That  when  General  Grant's  communication  was  'de 
livered  to  him,  the  President  simply  replied  that  he  supposed 
General  Grant  would  be  very  soon  at  the  Cabinet  meeting. 

"I  regarded  the  conversation  thus  begun  as  an  incidental 
one.  It  went  on  quite  informally,  and  consisted  of  a  statement 
on  your  part  of  your  views  in  regard  to  the  misunderstanding 
of  the  tenure  upon  which  General  Grant  had  assented  to  hold 
the  War  Department,  ad  interim,  and  of  his  replies  by  way  of 
answer  and  explanation. 

"It  was  respectful  and  courteous  on  both  sides,  being  in  this 
conversational  form,  as  details  could  only  have  been  presented 
by  a  verbatim  report.  So  far  as  I  know  no  such  report  was 
made  at  the  time.  I  can  give  only  the  general  eSect  of  the 
conversation. 

"  Certainly  you  stated  that  although  you  had  reported  the 


310         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

reasons  for  Mr.  Stanton's  suspension  to  the  Senate,  you  never 
theless  held  that  he  would  not  be  entitled  to  resume  the  office 
of  Secretary  of  War  even  if  the  Senate  should  disapprove  of  his 
suspension,  and  that  you  had  proposed  to  have  the  question 
tested  by  judicial  process  to  be  applied  to  the  person  who  should 
be  the  incumbent  of  the  Department.  Under  your  designation 
of  Secretary  of  War  ad  interim  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Stanton  you 
contended  that  this  was  well  understood  between  yourself  and 
General  Grant.  That  when  he  entered  the  War  Department 
as  Secretary  ad  interim  he  expressed  his  concurrence  in  a  be 
lief  that  the  question  of  Mr.  Stanton's  restoration  would  be  a 
question  for  the  courts. 

"  That  in  a  subsequent  conversation  you  had  with  General 
Grant  you  had  adverted  to  the  understanding  thus  had,  and 
that  General  Grant  expressed  his  concurrence  in  it. 

"  That  at  some  conversation  which  had  been  previously  held, 
General  Grant  said  he  still  adhered  to  the  same  construction 
of  the  law,  but  said  that  if  he  should  change  his  opinion  he 
would  give  you  reasonable  notice  of  it,  so  that  you  should,  in 
any  case,  be  placed  in  the  same  position  in  regard  to  the  War 
Department  that  you  were  while  General  Grant  held  it  ad 
interim. 

11 1  did  not  understand  General  Grant  as  denying,  nor  as 
explicitly  admitting  these  statements  in  the  firm  and  full  ex 
tent  to  which  you  made  them.  His  admission  of  them  was 
rather  indirect  and  circumstantial,  though  he  did  not  under 
stand  it  to  be  an  evasive  one.  He  said  that  reasoning  from 
what  occurred  in  the  case  of  the  police  in  Maryland,  which 
he  regarded  as  a  parallel  one,  he  was  of  opinion,  and  so  assured 
you,  that  it  would  be  his  right  and  duty,  under  your  instruc 
tions,  to  hold  the  War  Office  after  the  Senate  should  disapprove 
of  Mr.  Stanton's  suspension,  until  the  question  should  be  decided 
upon  by  the  courts ;  that  he  remained  until  very  recently  of 
that  opinion,  and  that  on  the  Saturday  before  the  Cabinet 
meeting,  a  conversation  was  held  between  yourself  and  him,  in 
which  the  subject  was  generally  discussed.  General  Grant's 
statement  was  that  in  that  conversation  he  had  stated  to  you 
the  legal  difficulties  which  might  arise,  involving  fine  and  im 
prisonment  under  the  civil  tenure  bill,  and  that  he  did  not  care 
to  subject  himself  to  those  penalties ;  that  you  replied  to  this 
remark  that  you  regarded  the  civil  tenure  bill  as  unconstitu 
tional,  and  did  not  think  its  penalties  were  to  be  feared,  or  that 
you  would  voluntarily  assume  them ;  and  you  insisted  that 
General  Grant  should  either  retain  the  office  until  relieved  by 
yourself,  according  to  what  you  claimed  was  the  original  under 
standing  between  yourself  and  him,  or  by  seasonable  notice  of 
change  of  purpose  on  his  part,  put  you  in  the  same  situation 
which  you  would  be  in  if  he  adhered.  You  claim  that  General 
Grant  finally  said  in  that  Saturday's  conversation  that  you 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT.          811 

understood  his  views,  and  his  proceedings  thereafter  would  be 
consistent  with  what  had  been  so  understood.  General  Grant 
did  not  controvert,  nor  can  I  say  that  he  admitted  his  last 
statement. 

"  Certainly  General  Grant  did  not  at  any  time  in  the  Cabinet 
meeting  insist  that  he  had  in  the  Saturday's  conversation  either 
distinctly  or  finally  advised  you  of  his  determination  to  retire 
from  the  charge  of  the  War  Department,  otherwise  that  under 
your  own  subsequent  direction.  He  acquiesced  in  your  state 
ment  that  the  Saturday's  conversation  ended  with  an  expecta 
tion  that  there  would  be  a  subsequent  conference  on  the  sub 
ject  which  he  as  well  as  yourself  supposed  could  seasonably 
take  place  on  Monday. 

"  You  then  alluded  to  the  fact  that  General  Grant  did  not 
call  upon  you  on  Monday,  as  you  had  expected  from  the 
conversation.  General  Grant  admitted  that  it  was  his  expecta 
tion  or  purpose  to  call  upon  you  on  Monday.  General  Grant 
assigned  reasons  for  the  omission.  He  said  he  was  in  con 
ference  with  General  Sherman,  that  there  were  many  little 
matters  to  be  attended  to.  He  had  conversed  upon  the  matter 
of  the  incumbency  of  the  War  Department  with  General  Sher 
man,  and  he  expected  that  General  Sherman  would  call  on  you 
on  Monday.  My  own  mind  suggested  a  further  explanation, 
but  I  do  not  remember  whether  it  was  mentioned  or  not, 
namely  :  That  it  was  not  supposed  by  General  Grant  on  Mon 
day  that  the  Senate  would  decide  the  question  so  promptly  as 
to  anticipate  further  explanation  between  yourself  and  him,  if 
delayed  beyond  that  day. 

"  General  Grant  made  another  explanation,  that  he  was 
engaged  on  Sunday  with  General  Sherman,  and,  I  think,  also 
on  Monday,  in  regard  to  the  War  Department  matter,  with  a 
hope,  though  he  did  not  say,  in  an  effort  to  procure  an  amicable 
settlement  of  the  affair  of  Mr.  Stanton,  and  he  still  hoped  that 
it  would  be  brought  about. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient 
servant,  "WILLIAM  H.  SEWARD. 

"  To  the  President." 

REPLY  OF  SECRETARY  BROWNING. 

"  DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  INTERIOR, 
"WASHINGTON,  D.  0.,  Feb.  6, 1868. 

"I  am  in  receipt  of  yours  of  yesterday,  calling  my  attention 
to  a  correspondence  between  yourself  and  General  Grant,  pub 
lished  in  The  Chronicle  newspaper,  and  especially  to  that  part  of 
said  correspondence  which  refers  to  the  conversation  between 
the  President  and  General  Grant  at  the  Cabinet  meeting,  on 
Tuesday  the  14th  of  January,  and  requesting  me  to  state  what 
was  said  in  that  conversation.  In  reply  I  submit  the  following 
statement:  At  the  Cabinet  meeting  on  Tuesday,  the  14th  of 


312         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.    GRANT. 

January,  1868,  General  Grant  appeared  and  took  his  accus 
tomed  seat  at  the  Board.  When  he  had  been  reached  in  the 
order  of  business,  the  President  asked  him,  as  usual,  if  he  had 
any  thing1  to  present.  In  reply,  the  General,  after  referring  to 
a  note  which  he  had  that  morning  addressed  to  the  President, 
inclosing  a  copy  of  the  resolution  of  the  Senate  refusing  to 
concur  in  the  reasons  for  the  suspension  of  Mr.  Stanton,  pro 
ceeded  to  say  that  he  regarded  his  duties  as  Secretary  of  War 
ad  interim  terminated  by  that  resolution,  and  that  he  could 
not  lawfully  exercise  such  duties  for  a  moment  after  the  adop 
tion  of  the  resolution  by  the  Senate ;  that  the  resolution 
reached  him  last  night,  and  that  this  morning  he  had  gone  to 
the  War  Department,  entered  the  Secretary's  room,  bolted  one 
door  on  the  inside,  locked  the  other  on  the  outside,  delivered 
the  key  to  the  Adjutant-General,  and  proceeded  to  the  Head 
quarters  of  the  Army,  and  addressed  the  note  above  men 
tioned  to  the  President,  informing  him  that  he  (General  Grant) 
was  no  longer  Secretary  of  War  ad  interim.  The  President 
expressed  great  surprise  at  the  course  which  General  Grant 
had  thought  proper  to  pursue,  and  addressing  himself  to  the 
General,  proceeded  to  say  in  substance  that  he  had  anticipated 
such  action  by  the  Senate,  and  being  very  desirous  to  have  the 
Constitutionality  of  the  Tenure  of  Office  Bill  tested,  and  his 
right  to  suspend  or  remove  a  member  of  the  Cabinet  decided 
by  the  Judicial  Tribunal  of  the  country,  he  had  some  time  ago, 
and  shortly  after  General  Grant's  appointment  as  Secretary  of 
War  ad  interim,  asked  the  General  what  his  action  would  be 
in  the  event  that  the  Senate  should  refuse  to  concur  in  the 
suspension  of  Mr.  Stanton,  and  that  the  general  had  then 
agreed  either  to  remain  at  the  head  of  the  War  Department 
till  a  decision  could  be  obtained  from  the  Court,  or  resign  the 
office  into  the  hands  of  the  President  before  the  case  was  acted 
upon  by  the  Senate,  so  as  to  place  the  President  in  the  same 
situation  he  occupied  at  the  time  of  his  (Grant's)  appointment. 
"  The  President  further  said  that  the  conversation  was  re 
newed  on  the  preceding  Saturday,  at  which  time  he  asked  the 
General  what  he  intended  to  do  if  the  Senate  should  undertake 
to  reinstate  Mr.  Stanton ;  in  reply  to  which  the  General  re 
ferred  to  their  former  conversation  upon  the  same  subject, 
and  said  :  '  You  understand  my  position,  arid  my  conduct  will 
be  conformable  to  that  understanding  ;'  that  he,  the  General, 
then  expressed  a  repugnance  to  being  made  a  party  to  a  judi 
cial  proceeding,  saying  that  he  would  expose  himself  to  fine 
and  imprisonment  by  doing  so,  as  his  continuing  to  discharge 
the  duties  of  Secretary  of  War  ad  interim,  after  the  Senate 
should  have  refused  to  concur  in  the  suspension  of  Mr.  Stanton, 
would  be  a  violation  of  the  Tenure-of-Office  bill,  that  in  reply 
to  this  he,  the  President,  informed  General  Grant  he  had  not 
suspended  Mr.  Stanton  under  the  Tenure-of-Officc  bill,  but  by 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT.          313 

virtue  of  the  powers  conferred  on  him  by  the  Constitution,  and 
that  as  to  fine  and  imprisonment,  he,  the  President,  would  pay 
whatever  fine  was  imposed,  and  submit  to  whatever  imprison 
ment  might  be  adjudged  against  him  (the  General) ;  that  they 
continued  the  conversation  for  some  time,  discussing  the  law 
at  length,  and  that  they  finally  separated  without  having 
reached  a  definite  conclusion,  and  with  the  understanding  that 
the  General  would  see  the  President  again  on  Monday.  In 
reply,  General  Grant  admitted  that  the  conversations  had 
occurred,  and  said  that  at  the  first  conversation  he  had  given 
it  as  his  opinion  to  the  President  that  in  the  event  of  non-con 
currence  b}^  the  Senate  in  the  action  of  the  President  in  re 
spect  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  question  would  have  to  be 
decided  by  the  Court ;  that  Mr.  Stanton  would  have  to  appeal 
to  the  Court  to  reinstate  him  in  office ;  that  the  ins  would 
have  to  remain  in  till  they  could  be  displaced,  and  the  outs 
put  in  by  legal  proceedings,  and  that  he  then  thought  so,  and 
had  agreed  that  if  he  should  change  his  mind  he  would  notify 
the  President  in  time  to  enable  him  to  make  another  appoint 
ment.  But  at  the  time  of  the  first  conversation  he  had  not 
looked  very  closely  into  the  law ;  that  it  had  recently  been  dis 
cussed  by  the  newspapers,  arid  that  this  had  induced  him  to 
examine  it  more  carefully,  and  that  he  had  come  to  the  con 
clusion  that  if  the  Senate  should  refuse  to  concur  in  the  sus 
pension,  Mr.  Stanton  would  thereby  be  reinstated  arid  that  he 
(Grant)  could  not  continue  thereafter  to  act  as  Secretary  of 
War  ad  interim  without  subjecting  himself  to  fine  and  im 
prisonment,  and  that  he  came  over  on  Saturday  to  inform  the 
President  of  this  change  in  his  views,  and  did  so  inform  him. 
That  the  President  replied,  that  he  had  not  suspended  Mr. 
Stanton  under  the  Tenure-of-Office  bill,  but  under  the  Constitu 
tion,  and  had  appointed  him  (Grant)  by  virtue  of  the  authority 
derived  from  the  Constitution,  etc.  That  they  continued  to 
discuss  the  matter  some  time,  and  finally  he  left  without  any 
conclusion  having  been  reached,  expecting  to  see  the  President 
again  on  Monday.  He  then  proceeded  to  explain  why  he  had 
not  called  on  the  President  on  Monday,  saying  that  he  had  a 
long  interview  with  General  Sherman;  that  various  little 
matters  had  occupied  his  time  till  it  was  late,  and  that  lie  did 
not  think  the  Senate  would  act  so  soon,  and  asked,  '  Did  not 
General  Sherman  call  on  you  on  Monday?' 

"  I  do  not  know  what  passed  between  the  President  and  Gene 
ral  Grant  on  Saturday,  except  as  I  learned  it  from  the  conversa 
tion  between  them  at  the  Cabinet  meeting  on  Tuesday  ;  and 
the  foregoing  is  substantially  what  then  occurred.  The  pre 
cise  words  used  on  the  occasion  are  not,  of  course,  given  ex 
actly  in  the  order  in  which  they  were  spoken,  but  the  ideas 
expressed  and  the  facts  stated  are  faithfully  preserved  and  pre 
sented. 


314          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  with  great  respect,  your  obe 
dient  servant,  "  O    H.  BROWNING. 
"  To  the  President" 

REPLY  OP  POSTMASTER-GENERAL  RANDALL. 

"PosT  OFFICE  DEPARTMENT, 
"  WASHINGTON,  D.  C.f  February  6,  1868. 

"SiR:  I  am  in  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  5th  of  February, 
calling  my  attention  to  the  correspondence  published  in  The 
Chronicle,  between  the  President  and  General  Grant,  and  es 
pecially  to  that  part  of  it  which  refers  to  the  conversation 
between  the  President  and  General  Grant,  at  the  Cabinet 
meeting  of  the  14th  of  January,  with  a  request  that  I  state 
what  was  said  in  that  conversation.  In  reply,  I  have  the  honor 
to  state,  that  I  have  read  carefully  the  correspondence  in  ques 
tion,  and  particularly  the  letter  of  the  President  to  General 
Grant,  dated  January  31,  1868.  The  following  extract  from 
your  letter  of  the  31st  of  January,  to  General  Grant,  is  accord 
ing  to  my  recollection  of  the  conversation  that  took  place  be 
tween  the  President  and  General  Grant,  at  the  Cabinet  meet 
ing,  on  the  14th  of  January  last.  In  the  presence  of  the 
Cabinet,  the  President  asked  General  Grant,  whether  in  a  con 
versation  which  took  place  after  his  appointment  as  Secretary 
of  War  ad  interim,  he  did  not  agree  either  to  remain  at  the 
head  of  the  War  Department,  and  abide  any  judicial  proceed 
ings  that  might  follow  the  non-concurrence  by  the  Senate  in 
Mr.  Stanton's  suspension,  or  should  he  wish  not  to  become  in 
volved  in  such  a  controversy,  to  put  the  President  in  the  same 
position,  with  respect  to  the  office,  as  he  occupied  previous  to 
General  Grant's  appointment,  by  returning  it  to  the  President, 
in  time  to  anticipate  such  action  by  the  Senate.  This  General 
Grant  admitted.  The  President  then  asked  General  Grant  if, 
at  the  conference  on  the  preceding  Saturday,  he  had  not,  to 
avoid  misunderstanding,  requested  General  Grant  to  state  what 
he  intended  to  do.  And  further,  if,  in  reply  to  that  inquiry,  he 
(General  Grant)  had  not  referred  to  their  former  conversations, 
saying  that  from  them,  the  President  understood  his  position, 
and  that  his  (General  Grant's)  action  would  be  consistent  with 
the  understanding  which  had  been  reached.  To  these  ques 
tions,  General  Grant  replied  in  the  affirmatire.  The  President 
asked  General  Grant  if,  at  the  conclusion  of  their  interview  on 
Saturday,  it  was  not  understood  that  they  were  to  have  another 
conference  on  Monday,  before  final  action  by  the  Senate,  in  the 
case  of  Mr.  Stanton.  General  Grant  replied,  that  such  was  the 
understanding,  but  that  he  did  not  suppose  the  Senate  would 
act  so  soon  ;  that  on  Monday  he  had  been  engaged  in  a  confer 
ence  with  General  Sherman,  and  was  occupied  with  many  little 
matters,  and  asked  if  General  Sherman  had  not  called  on  that 
day.  I  take  this  mode  of  complying  with  the  request,  con- 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT.          315 

tained  in  the  President's  letter  to  me,  because  my  attention 
had  been  called  to  the  subject  before,  when  the  conversation 
between  the  President  and  General  Grant  was  under  consid 
eration.  "  Very  respectfully, 

11  Your  obedient  servant 

"  ALEXANDER  W.  RANDALL, 

"  Postmaster-General. 
11  To  the  President." 

A  FINAL  LETTER  FROM  GENERAL  GRANT. 

" HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMY  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 
"  WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  February  11,  1868. 

"His  Excellency  ANDREW  JOHNSON,  President  of  the  United 
States: 

"  SIR  :  I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
communication  of  the  10th  instant,  accompanied  by  the  state 
ments  of  five  Cabinet  ministers  of  their  recollection  of  what 
occurred  on  the  14th  of  January. 

"  Without  admitting  any  thing  contained  in  these  statements, 
where  they  differ  from  any  thing  heretofore  stated  by  me,  I 
propose  to  notice  only  that  portion  of  your  communication 
wherein  I  am  charged  with  insubordination ;  I  think  it  will  be 

Slain  to  the  reader  of  my  letter  of  the  30th  of  January,  that  I 
id  not  propose  to  disobey  any  legal  order  of  the  President 
distinctly  given,  but  only  gave  an  interpretation  of  what  would 
be  regarded  as  satisfactory  evidence  of  the  President's  sanction 
to  orders  communicated  by  the  Secretary  of  War.  I  will  say 
here  that  your  letter  of  the  10th  instant,  contains  the  first 
intimation  I  have  had  that  you  did  not  accept  that  interpreta 
tion.  Now  for  reasons  for  giving  that  interpretation  : 

"  It  was  clear  to  me,  before  my  letter  of  January  30  was 
written,  that  I,  the  person  having  more  public  business  to 
transact  with  the  Secretary  of  War  than  other  of  the  Presi 
dent's  subordinates,  was  the  only  one  who  had  been  instructed 
to  disregard  the  authority  of  Mr.  Stanton.  where  his  authority 
was  derived  as  agent  from  the  President. 

"  On  the  27th  of  January  I  received  a  letter  from  the  Secre 
tary  of  War  (copy  herewith),  directing  me  to  furnish  an  escort 
to  the  public  treasure  from  the  Bio  Grande  to  New  Orleans, 
etc.,  at  the  request  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  to  him. 

"  I  also  send  two  other  enclosures  showing  the  recognition 
of  Mr.  Stanton  as  Secretary  of  War  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  and  the  Postmaster-General,  in  all  of  which  cases  the 
Secretary  of  War  had  to  call  upon  me  to  make  the  orders 
requested,  or  give  the  information  desired,  and  where  his  au 
thority  is  derived  in  my  view  as  agent  of  the  President. 

"  With  an  order  so  clearly  ambiguous  as  that  of  the  Presi 
dent's  here  referred  to,  it  was  my  duty  to  inform  the  President 
20 


316          LIFE    OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.    GRANT. 

of  my  interpretation  of  it,  and  to  abide  by  that  interpretation 
until  I  received  other  orders. 

"  Disclaiming  any  intention,  now  or  heretofore,  of  disobeying 
any  legal  order  of  the  President,  distinctly  communicated,  I 
remain,  "  Very  respectfully. 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 
"  U.  S.  GRANT,  General.'1' 

A  NEW  MILITARY  DIVISION. 

The  next  day  Mr.  Johnson  promulgated  the  following 

order : 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY, 
"  ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 
"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  February  12,  1868. 
"  [General  Orders,  No.  10.] 

"  The  following  orders  are  published  for  the  information  and 
guidance  of  all  concerned  : 

"  EXECUTIVE  MANSION, 
"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  February  12,  1868. 
"  GENERAL  :  You  will  please  issue  an  order  creating  a  Mili 
tary  Division,  to  be  called  the  Military  Division  of  the  Atlantic, 
to  be  composed  of  the  Department  of  the  Lakes,  the  Depart 
ment  of  the  East,  and  the  Department  of  Washington,  and  to 
be  commanded  by  Lieutenant  General  W.  T.  Sherman,  with 
his  headquarters  at  Washington. 

"  Until  further  orders  from  the  President  you  will  assign  no 
officer  to  the  permanent  command  of  the  Military  Division  of 
the  Missouri. 

"  Respectfully  yours, 

"(Signed)  "ANDREW  JOHNSON. 

"  General  U.  S.  GRANT,    Commanding  Annies  of  the    United 
States,  Washington,  D.  C." 

Lieutenant-General  Sherman  declined  this  position. 
Major-General  George  II.  Thomas  was  next  appointed  by 
the  President,  and  he  also  declined. 

THE  MILITARY  DIVISION  OP  THE  MISSOURI. 

The  following  was  issued  from  the  Adjutant-General's 
office : 

"Major-General  P.  H.  Sheridan,  the  senior  officer  in  the 
Military  Division  of  the  Missouri,  will  temporarily  perform  the 
duties  of  Commander  of  the  Military  Division  of  the  Missouri, 
in  addition  to  his  duties  of  Department  Commander. 

"  By  command  of  "  GENERAL  GRANT. 

"  (Signed)  "  E.  D.  TOWNSEND  A.  A.  G  " 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES  S.   GRANT.         817 

GENERAL    GRANT  AND   GENERAL   HANCOCK. 

General  Winfield  Scott  Hancock,  wbo  was  in  command 
of  the  Fifth  District  during  the  winter  of  1867  and  1868, 
removed  a  number  of  officers  appointed  by  his  prede 
cessor,  General  Sheridan,  and  against  the  will  of  General 
Grant,  which  led  to  the  following  correspondence. 

GENERAL  GRANT  TO  GENERAL  HANCOCK. 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 
"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  February  21,  1868. 

"Major  General  W.  S.  HANCOCK,  Commanding  Fifth  Military 
District : 

"  GENERAL  : — Your  report  of  date  the  15th  inst.,  in  response 
to  a  telegram  of  the  General  commanding  the  army,  dated  the 
8th  inst.,  in  the  matter  of  the  removal  of  certain  aldermen  and 
assistant  aldermen,  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  for  contempt 
of  military  orders,  is  received.  In  the  same  matter  there  has 
also  been  received  a  memorial  from  said  aldermen  and  assistant 
aldermen.  From  the  report  and  memorial,  arid  your  previous 
telegrams,  the  following  facts  appear  : — 

"  The  office  of  Recorder  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans  is  elect 
ive  by  the  people,  but  in  case  of  a  vacancy  it  is  made  the  duty 
by  law,  of  the  boards  of  aldermen  and  assistant  aldermen,  in 
joint  meeting,  to  elect,  viva  voce,  a  person  to  fill  the  vacancy 
The  office  of  Recorder,  of  the  Second  District  of  New  Orleans, 
was,  by  the  Supreme  Court  of  Louisiana,  adjudged  vacant,  and 
the  city  of  New  Orleans  was  ordered  to  be  notified  to  proceed, 
according  to  law,  to  elect  a  recorder  for  said  district,  which 
judgment  was  made  final  January  20,  1868. 

"In  pursuance  of  this  order  of  the  court,  the  boards  of  al 
dermen  and  assistant  aldermen  met  in  joint  session  on  the  4th 
of  February,  1868,  to  elect  a  recorder  for  said  Second  District. 
At  this  session  was  read  a  communication  written  by  Captain 
Chandler,  Assistant  Secretary  Civil  Affairs,  and  purporting  to 
be  by  your  direction,  inviting  attention  to  the  first  and  second 
sections  of  the  Supplementary  Reconstruction  act  of  Congress, 
passed  July  19,  1867,  and  to  paragraph  2,  Special  Orders  No.  7, 
from  Head-quarters  Fifth  Military  District,  dated  March  28, 
1867.  At  the  date  of  this  communication,  namely,  January 
25,  1868,  and  before  any  action  of  either  branch  of  the  Council 
had  been  had,  relative  to  the  election  therein  referred  to,  you 
were  absent  from  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  in  the  State  of 
Texas. 

"  This  communication  did  not,  in  terms,  forbid  the  election, 
neither  did  the  sections  of  the  act  to  which  it  referred,  except 
as  it  might  be  inferred  from  the  second  section,  wherein  the 


318         LIFE   OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GEANT. 

district  commander  is  empowered,  under  certain  restrictions, 
'to  fill  vacancies  occasioned  by  death,  resignation,  or  other 
wise.'  Section  9  of  this  act,  as  well  as  the  original  Reconstruc 
tion  act  of  March  2,  1867,  recognizes  the  right  of  State  and 
municipal  authorities,  to  appoint  and  elect  certain  officers, 
under  certain  restrictions  and  limitations,  but  the  exercise  of 
this  right  is  subject  to  the  authority  of  the  District  Com 
mander. 

"  Subsequent  to  the  passing  of  Special  Orders  No.  7,  referred 
to,  and  during  the  administration  of  Generals  Sheridan  and 
Mower,  the  City  Council  of  New  Orleans  did,  in  some  cases, 
fill  vacancies  in  corporation  offices,  under  the  provisions  of  sec 
tion  twenty-four,  of  the  city  charter  of  New  Orleans,  in  the 
same  manner  as  is  provided  for  filling  the  vacancy  in  the  office 
of  Recorder.  And  after  you  assumed  command,"  the  office  of 
City  Attorney  was  filled  under  the  same  authority,  and  in  the 
same  manner.  No  exception  was  taken,  in  any  case,  by  any  of 
the  district  commanders,  to  such  action. 

".On  assuming  command  of  the  district,  you  announced,  in 
General  Order  No.  40,  of  November  29,  1867,  that  it  was  your 
purpose  to  preserve  peace  and  quiet  in  your  command,  and 
that,  as  a  means  to  this  great  end,  you  regarded  the  mainte 
nance  of  the  civil  authorities,  in  the  faithful  execution  of  the 
laws,  as  the  most  efficient,  under  existing  circumstances.  Also, 
that  when  the  civil  authorities  are  ready  and  willing  to  per 
form  their  duties,  the  military  power  would  cease  to  lead,  and 
the  civil  administration  resume  its  natural  and  rightful  do 
minion. 

"  Under  this  statement  of  facts,  the  City  Council  of  New  Or 
leans  might  reasonably  have  presumed  it  to  be  their  right  and 
duty,  especially  under  the  order  of  the  court,  and  your  order, 
No."  40,  to  fill  the  vacancy,  in  the  office  of  Recorder,  as  it  ap 
pears  they  did,  from  your  report  of  this  case,  dated  February 
15,  1868.  The  same  facts,  too,  in  connection  with  the  printed 
report  of  their  proceedings,  embraced  in  your  report  of  Febru 
ary  15,  1868,  precludes  the  presumption  of  any  intended  con 
tempt  of  the  military  authority,  by  the  members  of  the  City 
Council. 

"  The  case  of  the  Jefferson  City  Council  is  not  deemed  a  par 
allel  one,  in  this,  that  they  had  riot  their  own  unquestioned 
acts  in  similar  cases,  nor  the  order  of  the  district  commander 
to  justify  them.  There  being  no  contempt  of  military  author 
ity  intended  by  the  boards  of  aldermen  and  assistant  aldermen, 
of  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  removed  by  Special  Orders  No.  28, 
Head-quarters  Fifth  Military  District,  dated  February  7,  1868, 
and  a  proper  administration  of  the  Reconstruction  acts  not  re 
quiring  their  removal,  said  special  order  removing  the  aldermen 
and  assistant  aldermen  therein  named,  and  appointing  others 
in  their  stead,  is  hereby  disappro\ed  and  revoked,  and  the 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.    GRANT. 

members  of  the  boards  of  aldermen  and  assistant  aldermen  re 
moved  by  it,  are  hereby  reinstated,  and  will  resume  their  duties 
as  aldermen  and  assistant  aldermen  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans, 
the  same  as  if  said  order  had  not  been  issued. 

"  You  will  please  carry  this  into  effect.  By  command  of 
General  Grant.  "JNO.  A.  RAWLIXS, 

"Bvt.  Maj.  Gen.  and  Chief  of  Staff." 

To  this  letter,  General  Hancock  made  a  lengthy  reply 
by  telegraph,  in  excuse  of  his  behaviour,  which  brought 
forth  the  following  final  note  from  General  Grant: 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  ARMIES  UNITED  STATES, 
"  WASHINGTON,  D.  0,,  February  28,  1868. 
"Maj  or -General  W.  S.  HANCOCK,  Commanding  Fifth  Military 

District. 

"  GENERAL  : — Your  telegraphic  dispatch  of  the  27th  instant, 
in  reply  to  my  order  revoking  your  order  displacing  a  portion 
of  the  City  Council  of  New  Orleans  and  appointing  their  suc 
cessors  is  received. 

"  There  was  nothing  in  my  order  which  doubted  your  au 
thority  to  make  removals  and  appointments  when  the  public 
exigency  requires  it.  I  only  exercise  an  authority  given  to  me 
as  General  of  the  Army,  under  waich  law  both  of  us  find  our 
authority  to  act  in  such  matters.  Your  order  of  removal  was 
based  on  certain  charges  which  I  do  not  think  were  sustained  by 
the  facts  as  they  were  presented  to  me.  Dispatches  of  such 
length  as  yours  should  be  sent  by  mail,  when  there  is  not  a 
greater  necessity  for  prompt  reply  than  seems  to  exist  in  this 
case. 

"  Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"  U.  S.  GRANT,  General." 

GENERAL  GRANT  ON  ALASKA. 

"  HEAD-QUARTERS  OF  THE  ARMY,  ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S  OFFICE, 

"  WASHINGTON,  March  18,  1868. 
"  General  Order  No.  15. 

"  I.  By  direction  of  the  President,  the  Military  District  of 
Alaska  is  constituted  a  Military  Department,  Brevet  Major- 
General  J.  0.  Davis,  U.  S.  A.,  commanding,  head-quarters  at 
Sitka. 

"II.  The  Department  of  Alaska  is  annexed  to  the  Military 
Division  of  the  Pacific. 

"III.  Brevet  Major-General  «T.  C.  Davis,  U.  S.  A.,  is  hereby 
assigned  to  duty  according  to  his  brevet  rank. 
"  By  command  of  General  Grant. 

"  E.  D.  TOWN  SEND,  Assistant  Adjutant-General." 


320          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.    GRANT. 

GENERAL      GRANT     NOMINATED      TOR     THE 
PRESIDENCY  BY   STATE  CONVENTIONS. 

The  Republican  convention  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  nomi 
nated  General  Grant  for  the  Presidency  by  acclamation, 
on  the  27th  of  February,  1868.  On  the  llth  of  March, 
1868,  the  Republican  State  Convention  of  Pennsylvania 
also  nominated  General  Grant  for  the  Presidency,  and 
also  instructed  their  delegates  to  vote  as  a  unit. 

On  the  18th  of  March,  1868,  the  Republican  State  Con 
vention  of  New  Jersey  met  at  Trenton,  and  nominated 
General  Grant  for  the  Presidency,  unanimously.  Subse 
quently  the  Republican  State  Conventions  of  Massa 
chusetts,  Rhode  Island,  Michigan,  Indiana,  Illinois,  New- 
York,  and  other  States,  nominated  General  Grant  for  the 
Presidency  without  a  disseuting  voice. 

During  the  mouths  of  April  and  May,  1868,  public 
attention  was  divided  between  the  Impeachment  Trial  and 
the  organization  of  Grant  Clubs  for  service  during  the 
campaign.  The  hero,  however,  would  receive  no  depu 
tations  nor  make  any  public  pledges.  He  kept  quietly  on 
the  even  tenor  of  his  way,  performing  faithfully  the  duties 
of  his  office,  and  practically  minding  his  own  business. 

In  the  latter  part  of  April,  General  Grant  paid  a  visit  to 
Philadelphia,  and  had  interviews  with  Hon.  Andrew  G. 
Curtin,  Hon.  Galusha  A.  Grow,  and  other  prominent 
leaders  of  the  Republican  party.  These  gentlemen  de 
sired  to  know  from  General  Grant  his  wishes  and  de 
signs  in  certain  emergencies,  and  they  parted  on  the 
most  friendly  terms  and  with  the  most  satisfactory 
understanding. 

General  Grant  asked  that  Reconstruction  might  be 
pressed  forward  to  consummation  as  rapidly  as  possible, 
and  expressed  himself  desirous  of  being  voted  for  or 
against  in  every  State  in  the  Union  if  he  should  run  for 
the  Presidency.  He  thought  all  of  the  Southern  States 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT.          321 

except  possibly  Texas  could  be  represented  in  Congress 
by  midsummer,  and  he  strongly  advocated  this  measure. 
In  his  orders  to  the  various  Generals  commanding  in  the 
South,  he  invariably  instructed  them  to  use  every  proper 
means  to  have  the  people  vote  legally  and  promptly  upon 
the  new  Constitutions,  and  to  induce  them  to  re-organize 
civil  government  as  quickly  as  possible. 

ULYSSES  S.   GRANT  NOMINATED   FOB 
PRESIDENT. 

At  the  close  of  the  Rebellion,  a  strong  feeling  was 
expressed  in  many  parts  of  the  country  in  favor  of  Gen 
eral  GRANT  for  President,  at  the  election  on  the  second 
Tuesday  of  November,  1868.  This  feeling  gradually  and 
surety  pervaded  the  Union,  and  in  the  course  of  a  year, 
no  one  else  was  spoken  of  for  the  high  office.  His 
brilliant  military  career  had  caused  his  fellow-citizens, 
all  of  whom  were  deeply  indebted  to  him  for  the 
services  he  had  rendered,  to  look  upon  him  as  the 
only  man  who  should  be  thus  honored,  and  all  save 
those  who  had  been  disappointed  in  their  efforts  to 
destroy  the  nation,  and  their  aiders  and  abettors  in 
the  loyal  States,  who  had  actively  or  tacitly  endorsed 
the  treason,  were  in  harmony  as  to  what  should  be 
the  action  of  the  great  mass  of  the  voters  if  he  was  placed 
in  nomination  for  the  Presidency.  Thus,  when  the 
Union  Republican  Convention  assembled  at  Chicago, 
no  other  name  was  presented,  when  General  JOHN  A. 
LOGAN,  on  the  21st  of  May,  arose,  and  in  the  name  of  the 
loyal  people,  and  the  soldiers  of  the  Republic,  nomi 
nated  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT.  The  whole  Convention  rose 
to  their  feet,  amid  great  cheering,  and  the  band  played 
"  Hail  to  the  Chief." 

The  States  were  called,  and  each  voted  for  GRANT. 
Georgia's  vote  was  announced  by  Governor  BROWN,  who 
said  that  the  Georgia  Republicans,  many  of  whom  were 


322          LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

original  secessionists,  recognized  the  maxim  of  "  enemies 
in  war,  and  friends  in  peace,"  etc. 

General  SICKLES,  rising  to  cast  the  vote  of  New  York, 
was  received  with  cheers.  The  Territories  were  also 
called,  each  having  two  votes,  except  Colorado,  which 
was  allowed  six  votes. 

The  Chair  announced  six  hundred  and  fifty  votes,  all 
for  Grant.  As  the  vote  was  announced,  a  new  drop-cur 
tain,  in  the  rear  of  the  stage,  was  uncovered,  presenting 
a  fine  portrait  of  GRANT,  supported  by  Liberty,  with  the 
motto,  "  Match  him." 

General  GRANT'S  nomination  was  immediately  tele 
graphed  him  by  the  President,  General  HAWLEY. 

SERENADE  TO  GENERAL  GRANT. 

An  immense  number  of  people  assembled  at  General 
GRANT'S  residence,  in  Washington,  the  next  evening,  for 
the  purpose  of  tendering  their  congratulations  at  his 
nomination. 

After  the  band  played  "  Hail  to  the  Chief,"  calls  were 
made  for  "  GRANT,"  when  he  appeared  at  the  door,  and 
was  greeted  with  prolonged  cheers. 

Representative  BOUTWELL,  of  Massachusetts,  who  was 
standing  at  his  side,  addressed  him,  as  follows : 

SPEECH  OF  MR.  BOUTWELL. 

"  GENERAL  :  This  assemblage  of  your  fellow-citizens,  brought 
together  without  organization,  or  previous .  arrangement,  have 
desired  me  to  express  to  you  their  gratification  at  your  unan 
imous  nomination  for  President  of  the  United  States  [ap 
plause]  by  the  Republican  Convention  recently  assembled  at 
Chicago.  [Renewed  applause.]  The  unanimity  with  which 
you  have  been  nominated,  almost,  if  not  altogether  without  an 
example  in  the  history  of  our  country,  furnishes  a  sufficient 
indication  of  the  vast  majority,  if  not  entire  unanimity  with 
which  the  nomination  will  be  sustained  by  the  loyal  people  of 
the  country.  [Applause.]  The  Republican  party  has  not 
yet  had  an  opportunity  to  test  its  capacity  for  the  government 
of  the  Republic  in  time  of  peace.  We  have  had  a  war  of 


LIFE   OF    GENEKAL   ULYSSES   S.   GKANT.          323 

more  than  four  years'  duration,  but  the  valiant  and  patriotic 
people  of  this  country,  under  your  leadership,  quelled  the 
mightiest  rebellion  the  world  has  ever  seen,  against  the  best 
government  known  in  the  history  of  mankind.  You  will  be 
supported  in  the  contest  upon  which  you  have  entered,  by  the 
same  heroic  men  who  were  with  you  at  Shiloh,  in  the  Wilder 
ness,  and  before  Richmond ;  and  you  are  to  meet  with  the  op 
position  of  a  comparatively  few  of  those  who  have  returned 
to  the  support  of  the  Union,  the  Constitution,  and  the  flag  of 
the  country,  and  with  but  few  exceptions,  you  are  to  be  op 
posed  by  the  same  men,  animated  by  the  same  principles 
which  animated  the  men  engaged  in  the  rebellion,  you  were  so 
instrumental  in  overthrowing.  [Applause.]  The  nation  ex 
pects,  and  will  receive,  from  you  the  same  devotion  to  its  inter 
ests,  the  same  patriotism  in  your  purposes,  the  same  integrity 
and  firmness  of  will,  which  characterized  your  command  of  its 
armies ;  and  I  doubt  not  that  in  the  contest  which  is  now  be 
fore  us,  we  shall  achieve  a  victory  as  memorable  in  the  history 
of  our  country,  as  that  which  illustrated  the  army  of  the 
Republic  at  the  surrender  of  Richmond.  Your  fellow-citizens 
will  support  you  in  this  contest.  They  will  support  your  ad 
ministration,  knowing  that  your  administration  will  be  charac 
terized  by  firmness,  by  integrity,  by  patriotism,  by  good 
sense,  and  all  the  manly  qualities  which  have  marked  your 
past  career.  My  fellow-citizens,  I  have  now  the  pleasure  of 
presenting  to  you  the  next  President  of  the  United  States, 
General  Grant,  the  commander  of  your  armies.  [Renewed 
and  long-continued  applause.] 

GENERAL  GRANT'S  REPLY. 

General  GRANT  then  said  : 

"  GENTLEMEN  :  Being  entirely  unaccustomed  to  public  speak 
ing,  and  without  the  desire  to  cultivate  that  power  [laughter], 
it  is  impossible  for  me  to  find  appropriate  language  to  thank 
you  for  this  demonstration.  All  that  I  can  say  is,  that  to  what 
ever  position  1  may  be  called  by  your  will,  I  shall  endeavor  to 
discharge  its  duties  with  fidelity  and  honesty  of  purpose.  Of 
my  rectitude  in  the  performance  of  public  duties,  you  will 
have  to  judge  for  yourselves,  by  my  record  before  you." 

Three  cheers  were  then  given  for  General  GRANT,  after 
which  hundreds  entered  the  house,  and  congratulated  the 
General  on  the  unanimous  voice  of  the  Convention  in  his 
favor. 


324          LIFE   OF    GENEKAL   ULYSSES   S.   GKANT. 

THE  NATIONAL  REPUBLICAN  PLATFORM. 

The  following  resolutions,  prepared  and  reported  by 
Hon.  RICHARD  W.  THOMPSON,  of  Indiana,  Chairman  of 
the  Committee,  were  unanimously  adopted  by  the  Con 
vention  as  the  platform  which  the  National  Union  Re 
publican  Party  was  pledged  to  sustain  during  the  cam 
paign  of  1868: 

"  The  National  Republican  Party  of  the  United  States,  assem 
bled  in  National  Convention  in  the  City  of  Chicago,  on  the 
"20th  day  of  May,  1868,  make  the  following  declaration  of 
principles  : 

1.  "  We  congratulate  the  country  on  the  assured  success  of 
the  Reconstruction  policy  of  Congress,  as  evinced  by  the  adop 
tion  in  the  majority  of  the  States  lately  in  rebellion,  of  Con 
stitutions  securing  equal  civil  and  political  rights  to  all,  and  it 
is  the  duty  of  the  government  to  sustain  those  institutions  and 
to  prevent  the  people  of  such  States  from  being  remitted  to  a 
state  of  anarchy.   [Cheers.] 

2.  "The  guarantee  by  Congress  of  equal  suffrage  to  all  loyal 
men  at  the  South  was  demanded  by  every  consideration  of 
public  safety,  of  gratitude,  and  of  justice,  and  must  be  main 
tained  ;  while  the  question  of  suffrage  in  all  the  loyal  States 
properly  belongs  to  the  people  of  those  State.   [Cheers.] 

3.  "  We  denounce  all  forms  of  repudiation  as  a  national  crime 
[prolonged  cheers]  ;  and  the  national  honor  requires  the  pay 
ment  of  the  public  indebtedness  in  the  uttermost  good  faith  to 
all  creditors  at  home  and  abroad,  not  only  according  to  the 
letter  but  the  spirit  of  the  laws  under  which  it  was  contracted. 
[Applause.] 

4.  "  It  is  due  to  the  labor  of  the  nation  that  taxation  should 
be  equalized,  and  reduced  as  rapidly  as  the  national  faith  will 
permit. 

5.  "  The  national  debt,  contracted,  as  it  has  been,  for  the 
preservation  of  the  Union  for  all  time  to  come,  should  be  ex 
tended  over  a  fair  period  for  redemption ;   and  it  is  the  duty  of 
Congress  to  reduce  the  rate  of  interest  thereon,  whenever  it 
can  be  honestly  done. 

6.  "  That  the  best  policy  to  diminish  our  burden  of  debt  is  to 
so  improve  our  credit  that  capitalists  will  seek  to  loan  us  money 
at  lower  rates  of  interest  than  we  now  pay,  and  must  continue 
to  pay,  so  long  as  repudiation,  partial  or  total,  open  or  covert, 
is  threatened  or  suspected. 

7.  "  The  Government  of  the  United  States  should  be  ad 
ministered  with  the   strictest  economy,   and   the  corruptions 
which  have  been  so  shamefully  nursed  and  fostered  by  Andrew 
Johnson  call  loudly  for  radical  reform. 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.          325 

8.  "  We  professedly  deplore  the  untimely  and  tragic  death  of 
Abraham  Lincoln,  and  regret  the  accession  of  Andrew  Johnson 
to  the  Presidency,  who  has  acted  treacherously  to  the  people 
who  elected   him,  and  the  cause  he  was  pledged  to  support ; 
who  has  warped  high  legislative  and  judicial  functions ;  who 
has  refused  to  execute  the  laws  ;  who  has  used  his  high  office 
to  induce  other  officers  to  ignore  and  violate  the  laws ;  who  has 
employed  his  executive  powers  to  render  insecure  the  property, 
the  peace,  liberty,  and  life  of  the  citizen;  who  has  abused  the 
pardoning  power  ;  who  has  denounced  the  National  Legislature 
as  unconstitutional ;  who  has  persistently  and  corruptly  resisted, 
by  every  measure  in  his  power,  every  proper  attempt  at  the  re 
construction  of  the  States  lately  in  rebellion  ;  who  has  perverted 
the  public  patronage  into  an  engine  of  wholesale  corruption, 
and  who  has  been  justly  impeached  for  high  crimes  and  mis 
demeanors,  and  properly  pronounced  guilty  thereof  by  the  vote 
of  thirty-five  Senators. 

9.  "The  doctrine  of  Great  Britain  and  other  European  powers, 
that  because  a  man  is  once  a  subject,  he  is  always  so,  must  be 
resisted  at  every  hazard  by  the  United  States,  as  a  relic  of  the 
feudal  times,  not  authorized  by  the  law  of  nations,  and  at  war 
with  our  national  honor  and  independence.    Naturalized  citizens 
are  entitled  to  be  protected  in  all  their  rights  of  citizenship  as 
though  they  were  native  born,  and  no  citizen  of  the  United 
States,  native    or    naturalized,  must    be    liable  to  arrest   and 
imprisonment   by  any  foreign   power  for  acts  done  or  words 
spoken  in  this  country ;  and  if  so  arrested  and  imprisoned,  it  is 
the  duty  of  the  government  to  interfere  in  his  behalf. 

10.  "Of  all  who  were  faithful  in  the  trials  of  the  late  war, 
there  were  none  entitled  to  more  especial  honor  than  the  bravo 
soldiers  and  seamen  who  endured  the  hardships  of  campaign 
and    cruise,  and   imperiled   their   lives    in  the    service  of  the 
country ;  the  bounties  and  pensions  provided  by  the  laws  for 
these  brave  defenders  of  the  nation  are  obligations  never  to  be 
forgotten ;  the  widows  and  orphans  of  the  gallant  dead  are  the 
wards  of  the  people,  a  sacred  legacy  bequeathed  to  the  nation's 
protecting  care. 

11.  "  Foreign  emigration — which  in  the  past  has  added  so 
much  to  the  wealth,  development,  and  resources  and  increase 
of  power  to  this  nation,  the  asylum  of  the  oppressed  of  all 
nations — should  be  fostered  and  encouraged  by  a  liberal  and 
just  policy. 

12.  "This  Convention  declares  itself  in  sympathy  with  all 
the  oppressed  people  which  are  struggling  for  their  rights." 

GRANT    IS  FORMALLY  NOTIFIED   OF  HIS 
NOMINATION. 

Pursuant  to  instructions  from  their  respective  Conven 
tions,  the  Committees  of  the  National  Union  Republican, 


326          LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

and  Soldiers'  and  Sailors'  Conventions,  waited  upon  Gen 
eral  GRANT  on  Friday,  the  29th  of  May,  formally  an 
nouncing  his  nomination,  and  asking  that  he  accept  the 
same.  The  Committee  of  the  Soldiers'  and  Sailors'  Con 
vention  waited  on  him  at  Army  Head-Quarters,  and  was 
composed  of  the  following  named  gentlemen  :  Colonel  H. 

C.  ALLEMAN  (chairman),  General  W.  M.  GREGG,  General 
JOHN  A.  LOGAN,  General  ALFRED  PLEASONTON,  General 
JOSEPH  R.  HAWLEY,  General  E.  W.  RICE,  Colonel  W.  B. 
STOKES,  Captain  A.  GRANT,  and  W.  A.  SHORT.     General 

D.  E.  SICKLES,  General  JOHN  R.  HARTRANFT,  and  General 
L.  FAIRCHILD,  members  of  the  Committee,  were  unable  to 
be  present.     The   Committee   was   received   by  General 
GRANT,  and,  having  been  introduced,  Colonel  ALLEMAN, 
the  chairman,  spoke  as  follows : 

SPEECH  OF  COLONEL  ALLEMAN. 

"  GENERAL  :  The  soldier  and  sailor  citizens  who  assisted  in 
disarming  treason,  by  their  representatives  in  national  conven 
tion  assembled,  made  a  proclamation  of  political  principles, 
and  a  declaration  of  Presidential  preference.  We  are  a  com 
mittee  delegated  to  present  you  an  authenticated  copy  of  their 
platform  of  principles.  The  principles  enunciated  are  candid, 
precise,  and  expressive.  They  are  unequivocal  in  their  desig 
nated  choice,  emphatic  in  their  tone,  and  decided  in  their 
character.  They  breathe  the  pure  spirit  of  loyalty,  of  liberty, 
and  of  equality  before  the  law.  They  conform  to  the  preachings 
of  the  fathers  of  the  Republic,  and  never  lose  sight  of  the  god 
like  truth,  '  that  all  men  are  created  equal.'  They  recognize 
no  political  distinction  between  the  naturalized  and  the  native 
born  citizen,  and  demand  governmental  protection  to  all  citizens 
of  the  country,  whether  at  home  or  abroad.  They  admit  no 
discrimination  in  legal  rights  of  race  or  caste,  and  make  loy 
alty  only  the  debt  of  political  privileges.  They  are  firm  in 
their  denunciations  of  apostacy,  and  speak  in  thunder  tones 
against  the  recreants  who  yielded  to  temptation.  The  leading 
resolution  names  you  as  the  only  and  unanimous  choice  of  the 
survivors  of  the  war  for  the  Chief  Magistracy  of  the  nation. 

"The  free-will  offering  of  a  Presidential  nomination  which 
promises  certainty  of  success  is  the  highest  compliment  which  can 
be  paid  to  an  American  citizen.  That  distinguished  compliment 
has  been  tendered  you  in  its  most  unselfish,  most  acceptable,  and 
most  exalted  form.  The  act  was  voluntary,  the  choice  of  unpre- 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT.          327 

cedented  unanimity — springing  affectionately  from  the  hearts 
of  your  fellow-comrades,  and  seconded  by  the  gratitude  of  the 
loyal  millions  of  the  land.  The  close  of  the  war  brought  the 
returned  soldiers  of  the  Keystone  Commonwealth  into  State 
convention,  when  the  Speaker  introduced  a  resolution  propo 
sing  you  as  the  soldiers'  choice  for  the  highest  post  in  the  gift 
of  the  people.  That  resolution  was  received  with  the  most 
rapturous  enthusiasm,  and  its  sentiment  was  speedily  and 
gratefully  echoed  from  ocean  to  ocean,  and  from  the  chain  of 
lakes  in  the  North  to  the  great  gulf  in  the  South.  The  feel 
ing  was  sincere,  the  enthusiasm  unbounded,  culminating  in 
the  expressed  gratitude,  the  expressed  love,  and  the  expressed 
confidence  of  your  companions  in  arms  for  their  beloved  com 
mander.  Your  comrades  honor  you  because  they  love  you, 
because  you  have  been  true  to  the  Government  which  fostered 
you,  true  to  the  rights  of  humanity,  true  to  the  interests  of 
loyalty,  true  to  the  principles  of  justice  and  equality,  and  true 
to  your  honor  as  a  soldier.  You  were  to  your  country  during 
the  rebellion  what  Washington  was  to  the  patriots  of  the  Re 
volution,  '  First  in  war,  first  in  peace,  and  first  in  the  hearts 
of  his  countrymen.' 

"  The  Republican  convention  in  the  fulness  of  its  love  for 
the  soldier,  with  one  voice  and  one  heart,  declared  for  you, 
'  Well  done  good  and  faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been  mindful 
over  a  few  things  ;  we  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many.'  They 
rewarded  merit  with  their  highest  honor  ;  they  paid  their 
happiest  compliment  to  the  defenders  of  the  Government  by 
accepting  our  choice  for  the  Presidency,  and  making  our  nom 
ination  their  unanimous  ratification.  Our  council  of  wrar  has 
ended,  and  you  are  our  chosen  chief.  You  will  find  the  volun 
teer  army  in  good  fighting  trim,  the  ranks  filled  to  their  maxi 
mum  ;  the  commands  well  officered,  and  the  supplies  both 
ample  and  excellent.  The  troops  are  in  the  highest  state  of 
discipline.  There  was  some  defection,  but  it  has  all  been  re 
medied  by  the  promptness  and  efficiency  of  a  '  drum-head 
court-martial.'  The  necessity  wrung  bitter  anguish  from  every 
loyal  heart,  heaving  sighs  of  ardent  hope,  and  breathing  silent 
but  fervent  prayers  to  the  throne  of  Almighty  God,  that  we 
should  'never  look  upon  its  like  again.'  We  are  stronger  now 
than  ever — more  courageous  and  more  determined.  We  have 
taken  our  position ;  we  have  posted  our  pickets ;  we  have 
formed  our  lines ;  we  have  protected  our  flanks,  and  are  ably 
supported  by  millions  of  militia,  with  Schuyler  Colfax  at  their 
head.  At  your  command  'forward,'  we  will  'move  on  the 
enemy's  works.'  Here  is  our  plan  of  battle,  [presenting  the 
resolutions.]  We  will  'fight  it  out  on  this  line  all  summer.' 
and  send  the  'enemy  whirling  down  the  valley.'  We  will 
charge  them  in  front,  storm  their  breastworks,  pierce  their 
centre,  flank  their  strongholds,  and  take  them  in  the  rear, 


328          LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

where  we  will  have  repeated  the  familiar  summons  from  our 
Commander-in-Chief,  '  I  demand  an  unconditional  surrender.' 
Our  victorious  General  shall  then  mount  the  pinnacle  of  fame 
twice  dignified  by  Washington,  twice  honored  by  our  Lincoln. 
We  have  the  honor,  sir.  to  submit  the  plan  of  battle." 

General  Grant  replied  as  follows  : 

EEPLY  OF  GENERAL  GRANT. 

"  GENTLEMEN  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SOLDIERS  AND  SAILORS  : 
1  will  say  that  it  was  never  a  desire  of  mine  to  be  a  candidate 
for  any  political  office.  It  is  a  source  of  gratification  to  me  to 
feel  that  I  have  the  support  of  those  who  sustained  me 
through  the  great  rebellion  which  we  have  passed.  If  I  did 
not  feel  I  had  the  support  of  those,  I  would  never  have  con 
sented  to  be  a  candidate.  It  was  not  a  matter  of  choice  with 
me ;  but  I  hope,  as  1  have  accepted,  that  I  will  have  your  aid 
and  support,  from  now  until  November,  as  I  had  it  during  the 
rebellion." 

HIS    NOMINATION    BY    THE    UNION    REPUB 
LICAN  CONVENTION. 

At  8  o'clock  the  same  evening,  the  Committee  ap 
pointed  to  inform  the  General  of  his  selection  as  their 
standard  bearer,  by  the  National  Union  Republican  Con 
vention,  arrived  at  his  residence,  where  a  large  assem 
blage  had  already  gathered.  Among  those  present,  were 
Hon.  F.  13.  Wasliburne,  Hon.  Mr.  Loughridge,  Hon.  E. 
A.  Rollins,  the  members  of  General  GRANT'S  staff,  and 
many  other  prominent  persons.  The  spectators  gathered 
in  a  semicircle,  thus  affording  all  an  opportunity  of  view 
ing  the  proceedings.  When  the  hum  of  conversation 
had  been  hushed,  General  J.  R.  HAWLEY,  president  of 
the  convention,  stepped  forward,  and  delivered  the  follow 
ing  address  : 

ADDRESS   OF   GENERAL  HAWLEY. 

"  GENERAL  :  The  National  Union  Republican  party,  assem 
bled  in  national  convention  on  the  20th  of  this  month,  appointed 
us,  the  officers  of  the  convention,  a  committee  to  wait  upon 
you.  In  obedience  to  its  instructions,  we  give  you  a  copy  of 
the  record  of  its  proceedings.  You  will  perceive  that  it  was 
governed  by  the  most  patriotic  motives,  harmonious,  enthu- 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GKANT.         329 

siastic,  and  determined.  We  mean,  in  your  own  words,  to 
'  save  in  peace  what  we  won  in  war.'  We  mean  to  make  it 
a  solemn  and  practical  reality  in  the  United  States,  that  '  all 
men  are  created  equal,  endowed  by  their  Creator  with  certain 
inalienable  rights,  among  which  are  life,  liberty,  and  the  pur 
suit  of  happiness.'  We  intend  that  there  shall  never  be  cause 
or  opportunity  for  a  civil  Avar  in  this  nation,  originated  either 
by  those  who  would  enslave  their  fellow  men,  or  those  who 
must  fight  to  regain  their  freedom.  We  believe  that  there 
can  be  no  permanent  peace  save  in  justice,  equal  rights,  and 
the  equality  of  all  men  before  the  law.  We  hope  to  see  our 
Government  reaching  to  the  remotest  corner,  and  to  the  hum 
blest  person,  securing  to  him.  by  impartial  and  irresistible 
power,  his  personal  safety,  the  right  to  the  avails  of  his  labor, 
and  the  right  and  the  opportunity  for  physical,  mental,  and 
moral  advancement.  The  best  guarantee  for  the  continuance 
of  such  a  government,  is  to  give  to  all  classes  impartially  a 
share  in  its  management. 

"We  hear  much  of  .forgiveness  and  fraternity.  We,  too,  do 
most  earnestly  desire  the  speedy  return  of  the  policy  and  mea 
sures  of  peaceful  times.  None  long  more  for  a  fully  restored 
Union,  than  those  who  sustained  the  Government  during  the 
late  dreadful  war;  but  the  dead  men  have  left  a  trust  in  our 
hands.  We  long  for  peace  and  good  will,  but  we  have  no 
friends  who  oppress  their  fellow  men.  We  do  not  idly  and 
hopelessly  ask  for  indemnity  for  the  past;  we  seek  only  secu 
rity  for  the  future. 

"  You  will  see  that  the  Convention  believes  that  integrity, 
simplicity,  and  economy  in  governmental  affairs,  are  the  duties 
of  good  citizens  and  honorable  men.  It  makes  the  strict  ful 
filment  of  actual  obligations  a  point  of  honor,  never  to  be 
waived.  What  the  civilized  world  recognizes  as  full  and  final 
payment,  is  the  only  payment  that  the  Union  Republican 
party  will  ever  consent  to  tender.  The  equal  rights  of  adopted 
citizens  are  clearly  asserted,  and  all  people  who  love  our 
Government,  are  hospitably  invited  to  come  and  enjoy  its 
benefits,  and  contribute  to  its  strength. 

'•  The  committee  spoke  in  nothing  more  warmly,  than  in  prof 
fering  a  hearty  welcome  to  all  those,  who,  lately  in  arms 
against  us,  are  now  frankly  and  honorably  co-operating  in  re 
storing  peace  and  establishing  a  truly  free  Government. 

"  During  the  last  three  years,  careless  indications  of  the  peo 
ple's  choice  for  the  next  Presidency,  have  centred  upon  your 
self.  Having  made  its  statement  of  principles  and  purposes, 
the  Convention,  deliberately  and  favorably,  State  by  State,  and 
Territory  by  Territory,  seconded  the  will  of  its  constituents, 
and  unanimously  nominated  you  for  President  of  the  United 
States,  following  the  work  by  tumultuous  and  long-continued 
manifestations  of  rejoicing,  pride,  and  confidence.  We  know 


330          LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES  S.   GRANT. 

that  you  will  be  faithful  to  the  Constitution  and  the  laws,  and 
to  the  ideas,  sympathies,  and  principles  that  you  are  called  to 
epresent.  We  know  that  you  will  not  seek  to  enforce  upon 
he  unwilling  representatives  of  the  people,  any  policy  of  your 
-3wn  devising,  for  you  have  said  that  '  the  will  of  the  people  is 
the  law  of  the  land.'  The  records  of  the  war,  and  of  your 
subsequent  fidelity,  afford  the  evidence  that  the  nation  can 
safely  arid  wisely  place  you  in  the  chair  of  Washington  and 
Lincoln.  In  behalf  of  the  Convention,  we  tender  you  its 
nomination  for  President,  and  solicit  your  acceptance.  We 
can  give  you  no  higher  proof  of  our  gratitude  for  your  past, 
or  our  confidence  in  your  future.  We  propose  to  elect  you." 

When  the  applause,  with  which  this  address  was  re 
ceived,  subsided,  General  GRANT  stepped  forward,  and 
replied  as  follows : 

GENERAL  GRANT'S  ACCEPTANCE. 

"  Mr.  President,  and  gentlemen  of  the  National  Union  Con 
vention,  I  will  endeavor  in  a  very  short  time  to  write  you  a 
letter  accepting  the  trust  you  have  imposed  upon  me.  [Ap 
plause.]  Expressing  my  gratitude  for  the  confidence  you 
have  place  placed  in  me,  1  will  now  say  but  little  orally,  and 
that  is  to  thank  you  for  the  unanimity  with  which  you  have 
selected  me  as  a  candidate  for  the  Presidential  office.  I  can 
say,  in  addition,  I  looked  on  during  the  progress  of  the  pro 
ceedings  at  Chicago,  with  a  great  deal  of  interest,  and  am  grati 
fied  with  the  harmony  and  unanimity  which  seems  to  have 
governed  the  deliberations  of  the  Convention. 

"  If  chosen  to  fill  the  high  office  for  which  you  have  selected 
me,  I  will  give  to  its  duties  the  same  energy,  the  same  spirit, 
and  the  same  will  that  I  have  given  to  the  performance  of  all 
duties  which  have  devolved  upon  me  heretofore.  Whether  I 
shall  be  able  to  perform  those  duties  to  your  entire  satisfac 
tion,  time  will  determine.  You  have  truly  said,  in  the  course 
of  your  address,  that  1  shall  have  no  policy  of  my  own  to  en 
force  against  the  will  of  the  people." 

As  the  General  concluded  his  speech,  there  was  long 
continued  applause. 

GENERAL  GRANT'S  LETTER  OF  ACCEPTANCE. 

Short,  pithy,  and  to  the  point,  is  the  letter  accepting 
the  nomination,  and  which  is  as  follows: 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES.  S.   GRANT.         331 

"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  May  29,  L368. 

"  To  General  JOSEPH  E.  HAWLEY,  President  of  the  National 
Union  Republican  Convention  : 

"  In  formally  accepting  the  nomination  of  the  National 
Union  Kepublican  Convention,  of  the  21st  instant,  it  seems 
proper  that  some  statement  of  views,  beyond  the  mere  a^cep- 
tance  of  the  nomination,  should  be  expressed.  The  proceedings 
of  the  Convention  were  marked  with  wisdom,  moderation,  and 
patriotism,  and,  I  believe,  expressed  the  feelings  of  the  great 
mass  of  those  who  sustained  the  country  through  its  recent 
trials.  I  endorse  their  resolutions,  and,  if  elected  to  the  office 
of  President  of  the  United  States,  it  will  be  my  endeavor  to 
administer  all  the  laws  in  good  faith,  with  economy,  and  with 
the  view  of  giving  peace,  quiet,  and  protection  everywhere. 
In  times  like  the  present,  it  is  impossible,  or  at  least  eminently 
improper,  to  lay  down  a  policy  to  be  adhered  to,  right  or  wrong. 
Through  an  administration  of  four  years,  new  political  issues, 
not  foreseen,  are  constantly  arising,  the  views  of  the  public 
on  old  ones  are  constantly  changing,  and  a  purely  administra 
tive  officer  should  always  be  left  free  to  execute  the  will  of  the 
people.  I  always  have  respected  that  will,  and  always  shall. 
Peace,  and  universal  prosperity,  its  sequence,  with  economy 
of  administration,  will  lighten  the  burden  of  taxation,  while  it 
constantly  reduces  the  national  debt.  Let  us  have  peace. 
"  With  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

"U.  S.  GRANT." 

ELECTION  AND  INAUGURATION. 

At  the  election  in  November,  1868,  the  man  who  had 
saved  the  nation  from  destruction,  was  elected  by  a 
large  majority  of  the  electoral  vote,  and  of  the  popular 
vote;  having  received  214  of  the  first  out  of  294,  and 
3,013,188  of  the  latter  to  2,703,606  cast  for  Horatio 
Seymour.  On  the  4th  of  March,  1869,  General  GRANT, 
who  now  had  been  awarded  the  most  exalted  honors 
that  the  American  people  could  bestow  upon  him  in  their 
desire  to  show  their  appreciation  of  his  valuable  ser 
vices  to  the  country,  took  the  oath  of  office  as  President 
of  the  United  States,  pledged  to  do  what  he  believed  was 
right,  and  to  the  best  interests  of  the  nation.  His  in 
auguration  was  accomplished  amid  the  most  unbounded 


332          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   8.    GRANT. 

enthusiasm,  and  the  prayers  of  the  nation  that  he 
prove  as  distinguished  and  honorable  as  the  Chief  civil 
officer  of  our  great  Republic  in  time  of  peace,  as  he  had 
been  as  the  leading  military  chieftain  during  the  long 
years  of  war,  ascended  to  heaven. 

WHAT  PRESIDENT  GRANT  HAS  DONE. 

Since  that  time  President  GRANT  has  permitted  no 
thing  to  interfere  with  his  determination  to  do  what  he 
deemed  best  for  the  interests  of  the  country,  regardless 
of  the  assaults  of  unscrupulous  opponents,  who  for  the 
mere  purpose  of  making  party  capital,  have  forgotten 
decency  and  propriety,  and  indulged  in  the  most  unjusti 
fiable  personal  abuse.  Jt  is  a  disgraceful  historical  fact, 
that  every  President  who  has  faithfully  and  impartially 
performed  his  obligations,  from  Washington,  the  father 
of  his  country,  to  Grant,  the  saviour  of  the  nation,  has 
been  assailed  in  the  most  cowardly  and  disreputable 
manner  by  men  who  either  differed  from  him  in  politics, 
or  who  could  not  use  him  for  their  personal  schemes. 
Citizens  of  all  classes  have  had  President  Grant's  unin 
terrupted  consideration.  Taxation  under  his  wise  gov 
ernment  has  been  materially  diminished,  and  the  na 
tional  debt  between  March  1,  1869,  and  the  1st  of 
September,  1872,  was  reduced  from  $2,525,463,260.01  to 
$2,171,322,020.55,  a  reduction  of  $348,141,239.46,  which 
of  itself,  without  any  other  consideration,  should  show 
to  the  satisfaction  of  every  honest,  unbiassed  citizen, 
how  unjust  have  been  the  assaults  of  his  enemies,  and 
how  important  for  the  welfare  of  the  country  it  is  that 
he  should  be  continued  in  office. 

During  President  Grant's  administration  several  im 
portant  measures  have  been  adopted  by  Congress,  and 
received  the  endorsement  of  the  Executive,  among  them 
the  following : 


LIFE   OF   GEXEUAL   ULYSSES   S.    GRANT.         333 

To  extend  the  habeas  corpus,  and  regulating  judicial 
proceedings  in  certain  cases. 

To  prevent  the  loaning  of  money  on  United  States 
notes. 

Modifying  the  franking  privilege. 

Relating  to  bounties. 

The  extradition  of  criminals. 

The  fifteenth  amendment  to  the  Constitution. 

To  strengthen  the  public  credit,  by  declaring  that  the 
faith  of  the  United  States  is  solemnly  pledged  to  the 
payment  of  its  obligations. 

For  the  further  security  of  equal  rights  in  the  Dis 
trict  of  Columbia. 

To  prevent  frauds  on  the  currency. 

Authorizing  the  appointment  of  an  Indian  Peace 
Commission. 

To  promote  reconstruction  in  Georgia. 

Providing  for  the  admission  of  Virginia,  Georgia  and 
Texas. 

To  enforce  the  rights  of  citizens. 

To  prevent  frauds  at  elections. 

To  reduce  internal  taxation,  etc. 

Refunding  the  national  debt. 

For  the  protection  of  the  right  of  suffrage. 

The  appointment  of  a  Commission  to  San  Domingo. 

Sundry  important  western  railroad  bills. 

Enforcing  the  fourteenth  amendment. 

A  treaty  with  Great  Britain,  providing  for  the  amica 
ble  settlement  of  all  points  of  difference  between  the 
United  States  and  Great  Britain,  including  the  Alabama 
claims  and  the  Canadian  fish  >;  ies. 

The  President  has  also  issued  several  proclamations, 
the  most  important  of  which  are  the  following:  one 
issued  May  19th,  1869,  to  the  following  effect: 

Whereas,  The  Act  of  Congress,  approved  June  25th, 


334         LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

1868,  constituted  on  and  after  that  date,  eight  hours  a 
day's  work  for  all  laborers,  workmen  and  mechanics 
employed  by  or  on  behalf  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States,  and  repealed  all  acts  and  parts  of  acts 
inconsistent  therewith. 

Now,  therefore,  I,  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT,  President  of 
the  United  States,  do  hereby  direct  that  from  and  after 
this  date  no  reduction  shall  be  made  in  the  wages  paid 
by  the  Government  by  the  day  to  such  laborers,  work 
men  and  mechanics,  on  account  of  such  reduction  of  the 
hours  of  labor. 

One  promulgated  May  24th,  1870,  admonishing  all 
persons  within  the  territory  and  jurisdiction  of  the 
United  States,  against  aiding,  countenancing,  abetting, 
or  taking  part  in  illegal  military  enterprises  and  expe 
ditions  against  the  dominion  of  Canada,  assuring  them 
that  they  would  forfeit  all  right  to  the  protection  of  the 
Government,  and  enjoining  all  United  States  officers  to 
employ  all  lawful  authority  and  power  to  prevent  and 
defeat  such  proceedings,  and  to  arrest  all  persons  en 
gaged  in  them. 

One  issued  in  1871,  cautioning  against  interference  in 
"  The  War  between  Germany  and  France ; "  and  another 
pledging  rigorous  prosecution  and  punishment  of  all 
persons  engaged  in  projecting  an  invasion  of  Canada. 

PRESIDENT   GRANT  RE-NOMINATED. 

On  Tuesday,  June  6,  1872,  the  Union  Republican 
National  Convention,  which  had  convened  the  previous 
day  at  Philadelphia,  re-nominated  by  acclamation,  and 
amid  the  most  unbounded  enthusiasm,  General  Ulysses 
S.  Grant  for  President  of  the  United  States.  As  every 
Delegate  to  the  Convention  intended  to  cast  his  vote 
for  the  illustrious  chieftain,  there  was  of  course  con- 
tiderable  rivalry  for  the  honor  of  making  the  -noniina- 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.    GRANT.          335 

tion,  and  to  settle  the  matter  it  was  decided  that  Hon. 
Shelby  M.  Cullom,  of  Illinois,  should  perform  the  pleasant 

task,  which  he  did  in  the  following  brief  speech : 

I 

"  GENTLEMEN  OF  THE  CONVENTION  :  On  behalf  of  the  great  Re 
publican  party  of  Illinois  and  that  of  the  Union — in  the  name 
of  liberty,  of  loyalty,  of  justice,  and  of  law — in  the  interest  of 
economy,  of  good  government,  of  peace,  and  of  the  equal  rights 
of  all — remembering  with  profound  gratitude  his  glorious 
achievements  in  the  field  arid  his  noble  statesmanship  as  Chief 
Magistrate  of  this  great  nation — I  NOMINATE  AS  PRESIDENT  OF 
THE  UNITED  STATES  FOR  A  SECOND  TERM,  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT." 

The  instant  that  Mr.  Cullom  closed,  there  was  a  scene 
of  the  wildest  excitement  in  the  Academy  of  Music, 
where  the  Convention  held  its  sessions,  and  for  several 
minutes,  hats,  caps  and  handkerchiefs  were  waved  by 
the  thousands  who  crowded  the  building  from  parquet 
to  dome,  and  cheers  vociferous  and  long  continued 
seemed  to  shake  the  solid  walls. 

As  soon  as  quiet  was  restored,  Governor  Woodforcl 
of  New  York  endorsed  the  nomination  in  the  following 
address : 

"MR.  PRESIDENT  AND  GENTLEMEN  OF  THE  REPUBLICAN  CONVEN 
TION  :  New  York,  the  home  of  the  distinguished  editor  who  has 
been  placed  in  nomination  for  the  Presidency  at  Cincinnati, 
asks  you  to  pause  one  moment  before  you  record  the  formal 
nomination  that  is  the  prophecy  of  election,  that  old  New  York 
may  reach  out  across  the  continent,  shake  hands  with  Illinois, 
and  second  the  nomination  of  Ulysses  S.  Grant.  Seated  by  the 
sea,  at  the  eastern  gateway  of  the  continent,  imperial  in  resour 
ces,  New  York  has  the  largest  interest  in  the  wisdom  of  your 
platform,  in  the  integrity,  the  stability,  and  the  fitness  of  your 
candidate. 

"Four  years  ago  she  sustained  General  Grant,  because  she 
recognized  the  great  debt  of  gratitude  that  the  Union  owed  to 
the  brave  heart,  the  strong  arm,  and  the  silent  lip  of  our  great 
chieftain.  To-day  she  endorses  that  nomination,  because  he  has 
been  tried  and  found  faithful.  When  we  have  passed  by  the 
little  quarrellings  and  criticisms,  which  are  as  the  motes  that 
float  in  the  sunbeam,  impartial  history  will  wonder  that  the 
great  Republic,  through  one  of  its  recognized  Senators  and  a 
Republican,  could  have  attempted  to  stain  the  sword  and  im« 


336          LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.    GRANT. 

peach  the  honor  of  the  one  man  to  whom,  under  God,  the  na 
tion  owes  more  than  to  any  other.  In  his  place  upon  the  Se 
nate  floor  the  Senator  from  Massachusetts  said  it,  and  as  I  read 
it  according  to  the  gospel  of  the  Tribune,  the  text  is  probably 
correct. 

"lie  said  that  Stanton,  just  before  he  passed  from  earth, 
spoke  thus: 

"  'I  know  General  Grant  better  than  any  other  person  in  llie 
country  can  know  him.  It  was  my  duty  to  study  him,  and  I 
did  it,  night  and  day,  when  I  saw  him  and  when  I  did  not  see 
him,  and  now  I  tell  you  what  I  know — he  cannot  govern  this 
country.' 

"  Aye,  the  great  war  secretary  of  Pennsylvania  knew  Ulysses 
S.  Grant  through  and  through.  When  he  came  to  the  untried 
fields  of  Virginia,  Mr.  Stanton,  who,  until  that  hour,  had  dis 
charged  not  merely  his  Ministerial  duty  as  Secretary  of  War, 
but  had  also  felt  it  obligatory  to  watch  somewhat  the  move 
ments  of  the  generals  who  commanded  the  armies  in  our  field, 
had  not  to  do  so  now;  and  from  that  hour  E.  M.  Stanton  and 
Abraham  Lincoln  trusted  Ulysses  S.  Grant.  Aye,  Stanton 
knew  Ulysses  S.  Grant. 

"  When  our  own  gallant  Sherman  had,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
Secretary  of  War,  made  somewhat  of  an  error  in  the  terms  of 
the  surrender  of  Johnston's  army,  Stanton  sent  Grant,  untried 
politicari,  to  supervise  the  surrender,  and  prevent  complication 
or  legal  mistake.  To  his  honor  be  it  said  that  this  man  of 
autocratic,  of  aristocratic  and  imperial  will,  never  attempted  to 
do  more  than  to  suggest  to  Sherman  the  policy  of  the  Govern 
ment.  He  allowed  the  General  to  conduct  the" surrender  in  his 
own  name  and  according  to  his  own  method. 

"Aye,  Edwin  M.  Stanton  knew  Ulysses  S.  Grant.  In  that 
dark  hour  when  Johnson  for  a  moment  threatened  the  use  of 
the  military  power  against  the  will  of  the  people  in  Congress 
assembled,  he  never  dared  to  breathe  the  dream  of  ambition 
into  the  ear  of  Gen.  Grant,  but  sought  by  brevet  commissions 
to  get  some  one  else  to  follow  him.  Aye,  Stanton  knew  Ulys 
ses  S.  Grant.  Pie  knew  him  at  the  time  when  he  was  appointed 
ad  interim  to  the  position  of  Secretary  of  War.  It  was  Grant 
then  that  stood  singly  and  alone  between  the  ambition  of 
Andrew  Johnson  and  the  country.  Aye,  he  knew  General 
Grant,  and  when  you  four  years  ago  placed  him  in  nomination,  by 
speech  he  endorsed  his  fitness,  sought  his  election,  and  pleaded 
for  his  success.  On  this  very  platform,  within  these  walls,  the 
great  War  Secretary  of  Pennsylvania  placed  upon  record  his 
love,  his  devotion,  his  belief  in  the  President.  The  echoes  of 
that  last  gr.irid  utterance  of  Edwin  M.  Stanton  are  ringing  in 
these  walls  to  day.  From  his  grave  the  dead  Stanton  rebukes 
the  living  S  >nator.  In  the  name  of  millions  of  our  loyal  people, 
in  the  name  of  his  own  comrades,  the  living  and  the  dead,  in 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GEANT.          337 

the  name  of  the  dead  Secretary  of  War,  New  York  endorses 
the  nomination,  and  asks  God's  blessing  on  the  cause." 

The  roll  was  then  called,  and  when  the  vote  of  Wy 
oming  had  been  recorded,  the  chairman  of  the  Conven 
tion,  Judge  Thomas  Settle,  of  North  Carolina,  said: — 
"  It  is  a  pleasure  to  the  Chair  to  announce  that  Ulysses 
S.  Grant  has  received  152  votes,  the  entire  vote  of  every 
State  and  Territory  in  the  Union." 

The  announcement  was  received  with  the  greatest 
manifestations  of  rejoicing  by  the  vast  concourse  in  the 
Academy,  and  having  been  made  almost  at  the  same 
moment  to  the  thousands  of  persons  who  were  awaiting 
the  glad  tidings  in  the  streets  adjacent  to  the  building, 
the  cheers  from  within  and  without  mingled,  the  music 
of  the  different  bands  appeared  to  emanate  from  one  im 
mense  set  of  instruments,  and  the  cannon  firing  near  by, 
all  combined,  made  a  scene  of  excitement,  enthusiasm  and 
noise,  such  as  is  rarely  witnessed.  Such  a  wonderful 
gathering  has  never  before  been  witnessed,  whether  we 
consider  it  in  point  of  numbers,  in  enthusiasm,  or  in  the 
unanimity  with  which  the  hero-President,  U.  S.  Grant, 
was  selected  for  another  term  of  four  years.  Opponents 
of  the  administration  had,  for  months  before,  predicted 
that  the  Convention  would  be  composed  of  persons  who 
were  holding  office  under  the  Government,  but,  with  a 
very  few  exceptions,  the  delegates  were  not  only  not 
office  holders,  who  would  naturally  have  had  their  mo 
tives  in  supporting  the  President  commented  on,  but 
were  solid  business  men,  of  nearly  every  avocation, 
whose  only  object  and  ambition  was,  to  have  a  faithful 
servant  properly  rewarded.  He  deserved  the  compli 
ment  so  unanimously  tendered,  and  the  unanimity  of 
the  nomination  is  only  a  precursor  of  his  victory  at  the 
election  in  November. 


338          LIFE    OF    GENE  LI AL    ULYSSES   S.    GRANT. 

THE    PLATFORM. 

The  following   platform  of    principles  was   adopted 
unanimously  by  the  Convention  : 

"  The  Republican  party  of  the  United  States  assembled  in 
National  Convention  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  the 
5th  and  6th  days  of  Jane,  1872,  again  declares  its  fai/h, 
appeals  to  its  history,  and  announces  its  position  upon  the 
questions  before  the  country. 

1.  "During  eleven  years  of  supremacy  it  has  accepted  with 
grand  courage  the  solemn  duties  of  the  time.     It  suppressed  a 
gigantic  rebellion,  emancipated  four  millions  of  slaves,  decreed 
the  equal  citizenship  of  all,  and  established  universal  suffrage. 
Exhibiting  unparalleled  magnanimity,  it  criminally  punished 
no  man  for  political  offences,  and  warmly  welcomed  all  who 
proved  loyalty  by  obeying  the   laws  and  dealing  justly  with 
their  neighbors.     It  has  steadily  decreased  with  firm  hand  the 
resultant  disorders  of  a  great  war,  and  initiated  a  wise  arid  hu 
mane  policy  toward  the  Indians.     The    Pacific  Railroad  and 
similar  vast  enterprises  have  been  generously  aided  and  suc 
cessfully  conducted,  the  public   lands  freely  given    to  actual 
settlers,  immigration  protected  and  encouraged,  and  a  full  ac 
knowledgment  of  the  naturalized  citizens'  rights  secured  from 
European  powers.     A  uniform  national  currency  has  been  pro 
vided,  repudiation  frowned  down,  the  national  credit  sustained 
under  the  most  extraordinary  burdens,  and  new  bonds  nego 
tiated  at  lower  rates.     The  revenues  have  been  carefully  col 
lected  and    honestly    applied.      Despite    annual   large    reduc 
tions  of  the  rates  of  taxation,  the  public  debt  has  been  reduced 
during  General  Grant's  Presidency  at  the  rate  of  a  hundred 
millions  a  year,  great  financial  crises  have  been  avoided,  and 
peace    and    plenty   prevail   throughout  the  land.      Menacing 
foreign  difficulties  have  been  peacefully  and  honorably  com 
posed,  and  the  honor  and  power  of  the  nation  kept  in  high  re 
spect  throughout  the  world.     This  glorious  record  of  the  past 
is  the  party's  best  pledge  for  the  future.     We  believe  the  peo 
ple  will  not  entrust  the  Government  to  any  party  or  combina 
tion  of  men  composed  chiefly  of  those  who  have  resisted  every 
step  of  this  beneficent  progress. 

2.  "The  recent  amendments  to  the  National  Constitution 
should  be  cordially  sustained  because  they  are  right,  not  merely 
tolerated  because  they  are  law,  and  should  be  carried  out  ac 
cording  to  their  spirit  by  appropriate  legislation,  the  enforce 
ment  of  which  can  safely  be  entrusted   only  to  the  party  that 
secured  those  amendments. 

3.  "Complete  liberty  and  exact  equality  in  the  enjoyment 


LIFE    OF    GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.    GRANT.         339 

of  all  civil,  political,  and  public  rights  should  be  established  and 
effectually  maintained  throughout  the  Union,  by  efficient  and 
appropriate  State  and  Federal  legislation.  Neither  the  law  nor 
its  administration  should  admit  any  discrimination  in  respect 
of  citizens  by  reason  of  race,  creed,  color,  or  previous  condition 
of  servitude. 

4.  "The  National    Government    should    seek  to    maintain 
honorable  peace  with  all  nations,  protecting  its  citizens  every 
where,  and  sympathizing  with  all  peoples  who  strive  for  greater 
liberty. 

5.  "  Any  system  of  the  civil  service  under  which  the  subordi 
nate  positions  of  the   Government  are  considered  rewards  for 
mere  party  zeal  is  fatally  demoralizing,  and  we,  therefore,  favor 
a  reform  of  the  system  by  laws  which  shall  abolish  the  evils  of 
patronage,  and  make  honesty,  efficiency,  and  fidelity  the  es 
sential  qualifications  for  public  positions,  without  practically 
creating  a  life-tenure  of  office. 

6.  "  We  are  opposed  to  farther  grants  of  the  public  lands  to 
corporations  and  monopolies,  and  demand   that  the   national 
domain  be  set  apart  for  free  homes  for  the  people. 

7.  "The  annual  revenue,  after  paying  current  expenditures, 
pensions,  and  the  interest  on  the  public  debt,  should  furnish  a 
moderate  balance  for  the  reduction  of  the  principal,  and  that 
revenue,  except  so  much  as  may  be  derived  from  a  tax  upon 
tobacco  and  liquors,  should  be  raised  by  duties  upon  importa 
tions,  the  details  of  which  should  be  so  adjusted   as  to  aid  in 
securing  remunerative  wages  to  labor,  and  promote  the  indus 
tries,  prosperity,  arid  growth  of  the  whole  country. 

8.  "  We  hold  in  undying  honor  the  soldiers  and  sailors  whose 
valor  saved  the  Union.     Their  pensions  are  a  sacred  debt  of 
the  nation,  and  the  widows  and  orphans  of  those  who  died  for 
their  country  are  entitled  to  the  care  of  a  generous  and  grate 
ful  people.     We  favor  such  additional  legislation  as  will  extend 
the  bounty  of  the  government  to  all  our  soldiers  and  sailors 
who  were  honorably  discharged,  and  who,  in  the  line  of  duty, 
became  disabled,  without  regard  to  the  length  of  service  or  the 
cause  of  such  discharge. 

9.  "The   doctrine   of   Great   Britain   and   other    European 
powers  concerning  allegiance — 'once  a  subject  always  a  sub 
ject' — having,  at  last,  through  the  efforts  of  the  Republican 
party,  been  abandoned,  and  the  American  idea  of  the  indivi 
dual's  right  to  transfer  allegiance  having   been   accepted    by 
European  nations,  it  is  the  duty  of  our  Government  to  guard 
with  jealous  care  the  rights  of  adopted  citizens  against  the  as 
sumption  of  unauthorized  claims  by  their  former  governments, 
and  we  urge  continued  careful  encouragement  and  protection 
of  voluntary  immigration. 

10.  "The  franking  privilege  ought  to  be  abolished,  and  the 
way  prepared  for  a  speedy  reduction  in  the  rates  of  postage. 


340         LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.   GRANT. 

11.  "Among  the  questions  which  press  for  attention  is  thai 
which  concerns  the  relations  of  capital  and  labor,  and  the  Re 
publican  party  recognizes  the  duty  of  so  shaping  legislation  as 
to  secure  full  protection  and  the  amplest  field  for  capital,  and 
for  labor — the  creator  of  capital — the  largest  opportunities  and 
a  just  share  of  the  mutual  profits  of  these  two  great  servants 
of  civilization. 

12.  "We  hold  that  Congress  and   the  President  have  only 
fulfilled  an  imperative  duty  in  their  measures  for  the  suppres 
sion  of  violent  and  treasonable  organizations  in  certain   lately 
rebellious  regions,  and  for  the  protection  of  the  ballot-box,  and 
therefore  they  are  entitled  to  the  thanks  of  the  nation. 

13.  "  We  denounce  repudiation  of  the  public  debt,  in  any 
form  or  disguise,  as  a  national  crime.     We  witness  with  pride 
the  reduction  of  the  principal  of  the  debt,  and  of  the  rates  of 
interest  upon  the  balance;    and  confidently  expect  that  our 
excellent  national  currency  will  be  perfected  by  a  speedy  re 
sumption  of  specie  payment. 

14.  "The  Republican  party  is  mindful  of  its   obligations  to 
the  loyal  women  of  America  for  their  noble  devotion  to  the 
cause  of  freedom.    Their  admission  to  wider  fields  of  usefulness 
is  viewed  with  satisfaction,  and  the  honest  demand  of  any  class 
of  citizens  for  additional  rights  should  be  treated  with  respect 
ful  consideration. 

15.  "  We  heartily  approve  the  action  of  Congress  in  extend 
ing  amnesty  to  those  lately  in  rebellion,   and   rejoice  in  the 
growth  of  peace  and  fraternal  feeling  throughout  the  land. 

16.  "  The  Republican  party  proposes  to  respect  the  rights 
reserved  by  the  people  to  themselves  as  carefully  as  the  powers 
delegated  by  them  to  the  State  and  to  the  Federal  Government. 
It  disapproves  of  the  resort  to  unconstitutional  laws  for  the 
purpose  of  removing  evils,  by  interference  with  rights  not  sur 
rendered  by  the  people  to  either  the  State  or  National  Govern 
ment. 

17.  "  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Federal  Government  to  adopt  such 
measures  as  may  tend  to  encourage  and  restore  American  com 
merce  and  shipbuilding. 

18.  "  We  believe  that  the  modest  patriotism,  the  earnest  pur 
pose,  the  sound  judgment,  the  practical  wisdom,  the  incorrupt 
ible  integrity,  and  the  illustrious  services  of  Ulysses  S.  Grant 
have  commended  him  to  the  heart  of  the  American  people, 
and  with  him  at  our  head  we  start  to-day  upon  a  new  march  to 
victory. 

19.  "Henry  Wilson,  nominated     for  the   Vice-Presidency, 
known  to   the  whole  land  from  the  early  days  of  the  great 
struggle  of  liberty  as  an  indefatigable  laborer  in  all  campaigns, 
an  incorruptible  legislator  arid  representative  man  of  American 
institutions,  is  worthy  to  associate  with  our  great  leader  and 
share  the  honors  which  we  pledge  our  best  efforts  to  bestow 
upon  them." 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.    GRANT.          341 

THE   NOMINATION  RATIFIED. 

On  the  evening  of  the  nomination  an  immense  ratifi 
cation  meeting  was  held  in  Broad  street,  Philadelphia, 
near  the  Academy  of  Music,  and  for  hours  the  wide 
highway  was  thronged  with  the  largest  concourse  of 
citizens  and  strangers  that  ever  assembled  in  the  City 
of  Brotherly  Love.  Among  the  resolutions  adopted  at 
the  meeting  were  the  following : 

"Resolved:  That  the  National  Convention  has  given  true  ex 
pression  to  the  sentiments  of  the  Republican  Party  by  the  un 
animous  re-nomination  of  President  ULYSSKS  S.  GRANT.  In  his 
military  career  we  recall  the  unwavering  and  devoted  labors  of 
our  greatest  soldier ;  in  his  civil  administration,  the  rule  of  our 
most  distinguished  citizen,  under  his  Chief  magistracy  the  na 
tional  debt  and  national  taxes  have  been  reduced,  prosperity 
has  increased,  and  our  honor  and  power  have  been  maintained 
at  home  and  abroad ;  and  grateful  for  his  services,  and  recog 
nizing  his  ability,  we  pledge  ourselves  to  his  triumphant  re 
election. 

"Resolved:  That  in  HENRY  WILSON  we  have  a  candidate  for 
Vice-President  endeared  to  the  country  by  years  of  wise  states 
manship  ;  an  early  and  constant  advocate  of  equal  rights  ;  an 
unflinching  supporter  of  the  Union,  and  an  earnest  and  out 
spoken  friend  of  the  laborer  of  every  race  and  color." 

PRESIDENT  GRANT  OFFICIALLY  NOTIFIED  OF 
HIS  NOMINATION. 

ON  the  10th  of  June,  the  President  and  Vice-Presi 
dents  of  the  National  Convention  visited  the  Executive 
Mansion  at  Washington  for  the  purpose  of  officially 
notifying  President  Grant  of  his  re-nomination.  After 
the  ceremony  of  introduction  had  been  performed, 
Judge  Settle,  the  President  of  the  Convention,  said  : — 

Mil.  PRESIDENT. — We  are  before  you  to  perform  a 
very  agreeable  duty.  We  are  here  to  officially  inform 
you  of  your  unanimous  nomination  for  the  Presidency 
by  the  National  Republican  Convention  assembled  in 
Philadelphia  on  the  6th  instant.  Beyond  this  I  do  not 
know  that  we  have  anything  to  say. 


342          LIFE   OF   GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.    GRANT. 

The  following  letter  was  then  handed  to  the  Presi 
dent. 

WASHINGTON,  June  IQth,  1872. 
• "  To  the  President  :— 

girt — In  Pursuance  of  our  instructions,  we  the  undersigned 
Presidents  and  Vice-Presidents  of  the  National  Republican 
Convention,  held  in  Philadelphia  on  the  5th  and  6th  inst.,  have 
the  honor  to  inform  you  of  your  nomination  for  re-election  to 
the  office  of  President  of  the  United  States.  As  it  is  impossible 
to  give  an  adequate  idea  of  the  enthusiasm  which  prevailed,  or 
the  unanimity  which  hailed  you  as  the  choice  of  the  people, 
we  can  only  add  that  you  received  the  entire  vote  of  every 
State  and  Territory. 

"  Regarding  your  re-election  necessary  to  the  peace  and  con 
tinued  prosperity  of  the  country,  we  ask  your  acceptance  of 
the  nomination. 

THOMAS  SETTLE, 
President  of  the  National  Republican  Convention. 

PAUL  STROBACH,  of  Alabama,  ^ 

ELISHA  BAXTER,  of  Arkansas, 

C.  A.  SARGENT,  of  California,  !  Vice 

SABIN  L.  SAGE,  of  Connecticut,  j      Presidents. 

ISAAC  JUMP,  of  Delaware, 

BENJAMIN  CONLEY,  of  Georgia,  J 

EMORY  A.  STORRS,  of  Illinois. 

General  SOLOMON  D.  MEREDITH,  of  Indiana. 

W.  II.  SERVES,  of  Iowa. 

JOHN  C.  CARPENTER,  of  Kansas. 

R.  M.  KELLY,  of  Kentucky. 

LEWIS  FRAZIER,  of  Louisiana. 

P.  F.  ROHEY,  of  Maine. 

THOMAS  KELSO,  of  Maryland. 

A.  II.  RICE,  of  Massachusetts. 

EBER  B.  WARD,  of  Michigan. 

C.  T.  BENEDICT,  of  Minnesota. 

R.  W.  FLANNERY,  of  Mississippi. 

J.  F.  BENJAMIN,  of  Missouri. 

JOHN  S.  BOWEN,  of  Nebraska. 

WM.  H.  G.  HACKETT,  of  New  Hampshire. 

DUDLEY  S.  GREGORY,  of  New  Jersey. 

H.  B.  CLAFLIN,  of  NEW  York. 

EDWARD  CANTWELL,  of  North  Carolina. 

JACOB  C.  MUEHLER,  of  Ohio. 

JOHN  F.  BOOTH,  of  Oregon. 

H.  W.  OLIVER,  of  Pennsylvania. 

General  A.  E.  BURNSIDR,  of  Rhode  Island. 

A.  J.  RKNSIER,  of  South  Carolina. 


LIFE   OF   GENERAL   ULYSSES   S.  GRANT.          343 

WILLIAM  H.  WISXER.  of  Tennessee. 
A.  B.NORTON,  of  Texas. 
J.  FAIRBANKS,  of  Vermont. 
CHARLES.  J.  MALORD,  of  Virginia. 
CHARLES  HORTON,  of  West  Virginia. 
General  Lucius  FAIROHILD,  of  Wisconsin. 
DENNIS  EGAN,  of  Florida. 
GEORGE  M.  CHILCOTT,  of  Colorado. 
JOHN  F.  COOK,  of  District  of  Columbia. 
JOHN  B.  McBRiDE,  of  Idaho.  ' 

JOHN  W.  DONNELLON,  of  Wyoming. 
J.  F.  HOLLTSTER,  of  Utah. 
F.  BREEDEN,  of  New  Mexico. 
L.  B.  CHURCH,  of  Montana." 

The  President  said  :  "  Gentlemen,  I  am  not  now  ready 
to  respond  to  your  letter,  but  will  take  an  early  oppor 
tunity  to  do  so  in  writing." 

Later  in  the  day  he  addressed  them  the  following 
letter : 

"EXECUTIVE  MANSION,      ") 
"WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  Jane  IQth,  1872.  } 

"Hon.   Thomas  Settle,  President  of  National  Republican  Con 
vention;  Paul  Strobach,  Elisha  Baxter,  C.A.Sargent  and 

others,  Vice-P residents  : — 

"GENTLEMEN, — Your  letter  of  this  date,  advising  me  of  the 
action  of  the  Convention  held  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  on  the  5th 
and  6th  of  this  month,  and  of  my  unanimous  nomination  for 
the  Presidency  by  it,  is  received. 

"  I  accept  the  nomination,  and  through  you  return  my  heart 
felt  thanks  to  your  constituents  for  this  mark  of  their  confi 
dence  and  support.  If  elected  in  November  and  protected  by 
a  kind  Providence  in  health  and  strength  to  perform  the  duties 
of  the  high  trust  conferred,  I  promise  the  same  zeal  and  devo 
tion  to  the  good  of  the  whole  people  for  the  future  of  my  offi 
cial  life  as  shown  in  the  past.  Past  experience  may  guide  me 
in  avoiding  mistakes  inevitable  with  novices  in  all  professions 
and  in  all  occupations. 

"When  relieved  from  the  responsibilities  of  my  present 
trust,  by  the  election  of  a  successor,  whether  it  be  at  the  end 
of  this  term  or  next,  I  hope  to  leave  to  him  as  Executive  a 
country  at  peace  within  its  own  borders,  at  peace  with  outside 
nations,  with  a  credit  at  home  and  abroad,  and  without  embar 
rassing  questions  to  threaten  its  future  prosperity. 

"  With  the  expression  of  a  desire  to  see  a  speedy  healing  of 
all  bitterness  of  feeling  between  sections,  parties  or  races  of 


3M          LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES   S.    GRANT. 

citizens,  and  the  time  when  the  title  of  citizen  carries  with  it 
all  the  protection  and  privileges  to  the  humblest  that  it  does 
to  the  most  exalted,  I  subscribe  myself,  very  respectfully,  your 
obedient  servant,  U.  S.  GRANT." 

ABILITIES  OF  PRESIDENT  GRANT. 

Of  all  men  Ulysses  S.  Grant  deserves  the  commenda 
tion,  endorsement  and  support  of  the  American  people. 
No  one  labored  more  assiduously  to  break  the  power 
of  the  Rebellion  than  General  GRANT.  He  entered  the 
service  to  lend  his  abilities  and  his  personal  efforts  to 
this  one  great  end.  With  a  pure  heart,  a  steady  nerve, 
an  abiding  faith  in  the  justness  of  the  cause,  and  a  re 
solution  which  nothing  could  shake,  he  moved  forward 
in  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  Step  by  step,  he  rose  to 
the  exalted  and  responsible  position  of  Lieutenant- 
General ;  and  finally,  a  grateful  Congress  gave  him  the 
highest  rank  known  in  military  service.  To  him  were 
confided  the  destinies  of  our  armies,  and  the  welfare 
of  the  country.  He  was  equal  to  the  task,  and  he  at 
tained  a  prominence  in  history  second  to  no  military^ 
chieftain  who  ever  lived.  As  President  he  has  made 
a  record  which  is  unsurpassed  in  its  brilliancy.  His 
public  and  private  character  is  spotless,  and  his  sole 
ambition  has  been  to  serve  his  country,  and  further  the 
holy  cause  of  American  liberty. 

No  one  dares  question  his  patriotism  or  bravery,  his 
skill,  his  modesty,  his  disinterestedness  or  his  firmness. 
To  him  is  universally  attributed  the  final  triumph  of 
our  arms  in  the  late  struggle,  the  result  of  strategy  the 
most  skilful,  combinations  the  largest  and  most  over 
whelming,  and  courage,  persistent,  self-reliant  and 
dauntless.  Whether  as  a  subordinate  and  in  the  con 
duct  of  isolated  campaigns,  or  at  the  head  of  the  whole 
army,  and  directing  its  entire  movements — reticent, 
modest,  thoughtful,  discreet ;  the  wise  man,  who  says 


LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES    S.    GRANT.          345 

little  and  does  much;  of  "  imagination  all  compact," 
he  pursued  an  unbroken  career  of  triumph,  without 
having  had  to  repair  a  single  error.  Not  only  may  we 
therefore  place  him  as  the  foremost  among  our  military 
inen — and  this  itself  is  praise  in  the  extreme — but  we 
may  also  claim  for  him  an  equal,  perhaps  the  highest 
place  among  all  the  generals  of  modern  times.  It  was 
no  common  foe  he  conquered,  no  ordinary  war  he  fin 
ished,  no  trifling  cause  he  maintained,  and  when  called 
by  his  fellow-citizens  to  the  highest  office  in  their 
gift  he  entered  upon  a  civic  career  with  a  determination 
which  he  has  fully  carried  out,  to  relieve  his  country 
men  of  their  burdens,  and  in  every  way  to  advance  the 
prosperity  of  the  nation. 

The  people  of  the  United  States,  well  aware  that  a 
man  might  be  a  great  and  successful  military  comman 
der,  ami  }~et  not  be  the  possessor  of  the  qualifications 
necessary  to  make  him  an  available  or  successful  Chief 
Magistrate  of  the  nation,  naturally  watched  with  anxiety 
the  early  official  course  of  the  new  President,  satisfied 
that  he  would  meet  their  expectations,  willing  to  pardon 
trivial  errors,  and  }'et  fearful  that  the  change  from  mili 
tary  to  civic  responsibility  might  result  in  something 
that  would  lead  them  to  regret  that  they  had  promoted 
him  to  the  highest  position  within  their  gift.  Three 
years  and  a  half  of  his  allotted  term  have  however  ex 
pired,  and  we  find  all  fears  have  been  proved  to  have 
been  baseless,  and  the  highest  expectations  have  been 
realized.  Equally  great  as  the  ruler  of  the  Republic 
has  he  been  found  who  directed  so  successfully  our 
enormous  armies  during  the  rebellion.  Whatever  has 
tended  to  the  welfare  of  the  country,  and  aided  in  re 
storing  peace  and  prosperity  to  all  sections,  has  met 
with  his  prompt  approval.  Under  his  administration 
the  laws  have  been  executed  to  the  letter,  and  no  more 


846          LIFE   OF    GENERAL    ULYSSES  S.   GRANT. 

convincing  proof  of  the  admirable  manner  in  which  he 
has  performed  every  trust  is  needed,  than  the  fact  that 
he  has  now  in  his  aspirations  for  re-election  the  support 
of  many  citizens  of  the  South  who  were  most  prominent 
in  the  ranks  of  his  opponents  when  he  was  leading  the 
forces  of  loyalt}^  and  patriotism  to  victory  during 
the  late  war.  When  General  Grant  became  President, 
he  declared  that  his  policy  in  all  things  should  be  con 
trolled  loy  the  wishes  of  the  majority  of  the  people,  and 
notwithstanding  the  growls  and  slanders  of  the  mino 
rity,  he  has  never  forgotten  his  declaration.  To  the 
workingmen  of  the  country  he  has  ever  been  a  stead 
fast  friend,  and  he  has  by  his  successful  financial  course 
convinced  the  capitalist,  that  the  only  certain  plan  of 
securing  a  reduction  of  the  enormous  public  debt  in 
curred  in  our  struggle  for  the  salvation  of  the  Republic, 
and  at  the  same  time  accomplish  a  diminution  of  taxa 
tion,  is  to  continue  in  the  Presidency  for  four  years  lon 
ger  the  man  who  has  proved  his  ability  to  accomplish 
so  much  pecuniary  good.  The  political  organization 
which  in  1868  so  earnestly  combated  the  nominee  of 
the  Republican  part}*"  for  the  Presidency,  and  which 
then  so  signally  failed,  is,  in  1872,  strengthened  by  a 
band  of  office-seekers  who  have  been  disappointed  in 
their  aspirations  ;  but  from  far  and  near,  from  Maine  to 
Texas,  and  from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  come  the 
satisfactory  tidings  that  ULYSSES  S.  GRANT  is  even  more 
beloved  and  respected  than  he  has  ever  been,  that  his 
course  and  policy  as  Chief  Executive  is  generally  ap 
proved,  that  the  slanders  of  his  enemies  are  estimated 
at  their  proper  value,  and  cannot  injure  his  fair  fame 
and  honorable  record,  and  that  he  will  be  re-elected  by 
a  large  majority  of  the  electoral  vote. 


THE    LIFE 


OP 


HON.  HENRY  WILSON. 


HENRY  WILSON,  the  nominee  of  the  Republican  Party 
for  Vice-P resident,  is  no  stranger  to  the  people  of  the 
country,  he  having  for  more  than  thirty  years  been 
identified  to  a  greater  or  lesser  extent  with  the  political 
history  of  the  nation.  In  the  little  town  of  Farmington, 
New  Hampshire,  on  the  16th  of  February,  1812,  an 
infant  boy  was  born  to  two  of  the  most  humble  and 
poorest  residents.  With  all  their  poverty,  the  little 
stranger  was  not  unwelcome,  and  having  been  as  early 
as  practicable  christened  with  the  name  of  Henry,  he 
continued  to  grow  under  the  limited  care  of  industrious 
parents  until  infancy  and  childhood  had  added  a  decade 
to  his  }7ears.  It  was  at  that  period  of  his  life,  a  time 
when  children  generally  require  the  most  offices  of  love 
and  attention  from  those  to  whom  the}r  owe  their  exist 
ence,  that  little  HENRY  WILSON'S  parents  found  it 
impossible  to  longer  retain  him  as  a  member  of  a  house 
hold  to  which  every  addit;on  caused  an  increased  cost, 
small  as  the  extra  expenditure  might  be,  and  with  sor 
rowing  hearts  it  was  decided  to  bind  him  out  to  a 
neighboring  farmer  as  an  apprentice. 

22  347 


34:8  LIFE    OF    II OX.    HENRY   WILSON. 

During  his  apprenticeship  he  was  faithful  to  the 
obligations  his  parents  had  assumed  in  his  name,  and 
by  availing  himself  of  every  opportunity  he  could  grasp, 
more  especially  at  night  when  others  were  sleeping, 
he  not  only  became  self-instructed  in  the  rudiments  of 
education,  but  by  the  time  that  his  term  of  service 
had  expired,  he  had  intelligently  read  several  hundreds 
of  instructive  volumes,  all  works  that  could  not  give 
useful  information  of  some  kind  being  carefully  omitted 
from  the  youth's  catalogue.  The  disadvantages  sur 
rounding  his  youthful  work  is  best  told  in  a  speech 
he  made  at  Great  Falls,  N.  H.,  on  February  24th,  1872. 
He  said  : 

"  I  left  my  home  at  ten  years  of  age,  and  served  an 
apprenticeship  of  eleven  years,  receiving  a  month's 
schooling  each  year,  and  at  the  end  of  eleven  years  of 
hard  work,  a  yoke  of  oxen  and  six  sheep,  which  brought 
me  eighty-four  dollars.  Eighty-four  dollars  for  eleven 
years  of  hard  toil !  I  never  spent  the  amount  of  one 
dollar  in  money,  counting  every  penny,  from  the  time  I 
was  born  until  I  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.  I  know 
what  it  is  to  travel  weary  miles,  and  ask  my  fellow-men 
to  give  me  leave  to  toil. 

"I  remember  that  in  October,  1833, 1  walked  into  your 
village  from  my  native  town,  and  went  through  your 
mills,  seeking  employment.  If  anybody  had  offered  me 
nine  dollars  a  month,  I  should  have  accepted  it  gladly. 
I  went  to  Salmon  Falls,  I  went  to  Dover,  I  went  to 
Newmarket,  and  tried  to  get  work,  without  success, 
and  I  returned  home  footsore  and  weary,  but  not  dis 
couraged.  I  put  my  pack  on  my  back,  and  walked  to 
where  I  now  live  in  Massachusetts,  and  learned  a 
mechanic's  trade.  I  know  the  hard  lot  that  toiling  men 
have  to  endure  in  this  world,  and  every  pulsation  of  my 
heart,  every  conviction  of  my  judgment,  every  aspira- 


LIFE   OF   HON.    HENRY  WILSON.  349 

tion  of  my  soul,  puts  me  on  the  side  of  the  toiling  men 
of  my  country — aye,  of  all  countries." 

Attaining  the  age  when  in  pursuance  to  legal  agree 
ment  he  could  consider  himself  a  freeman,  he  deter 
mined  to  forsake  a  country  life,  and  to  seek  one  in  the 
more  exciting  and  busy  town  of  Natick,  Massachusetts  ; 
and  bidding  adieu  to  the  hills  and  dales  of  the  section 
in  which  he  had  passed  his  boyish  days,  he  sought  and 
obtained  employment  with  a  shoemaker  in  Natick. 
Persistent  industry  and  uninterrupted  interest  in  his 
new  vocation  soon  made  him  an  efficient  maker  and 
mender  of  shoes,  and  at  the  end  of  three  years  he  was 
able  to  carry  out  his  long  coveted  desire  of  obtaining  a 
collegiate  education ;  and  throwing  aside  his  lapstone, 
he,  with  the  small  sum  saved  from  his  labors,  returned 
to  New  Hampshire,  and  at  twenty-four  years  of  age 
entered  Strafford  Academy,  full  of  determination  and 
enthusiasm.  A  terrible  blow,  however,  was  in  store  for 
him.  For  security  he  had,  when  enrolling  his  name 
upon  the  list  of  pupils  at  the  Academy,  given  his  money 
• — all  that  he  possessed  in  the  world — to  what  he  con 
sidered  safe  hands;  but  unfortunately  his  confidence 
was  misplaced,  and  the  holder  becoming  insolvent,  the 
funds  were  wholly  lost.  Recovering  from  the  shock, 
and  painfully  aware  that  a  young  man,  without  money 
or  friends  who  could  assist  him,  could  not  remain  at  an 
educational  institution  of  the  kind  he  was  attending,  he 
bade  farewell  to  its  halls,  and  returned  to  Natick, 
where  for  a  time  he  taught  school,  and  then  engaging 
in  the  business  of  shoe  manufacturing,  began  to  realize 
the  rewards  of  industry. 

During  the  exciting  Presidential  campaign  of  1840, 
Mr.  Wilson  took  an  active  part  in  behalf  of  Harrison 
and  Tyler,  making,  during  the  canvass,  more  than  three 
score  of  speeches,  and  earning  for  himself  a  reputation 


350  LIFE   OF    HON.   HENRY   WILSON. 

as  an  eloquent  and  popular  political  speaker  which  ex 
tended  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  com 
monwealth  of  which  he  was  such  a  worthy  citizen.  His 
praiseworthy  efforts  and  his  powers  of  oratory  were 
appreciated  by  the  people  among  whom  he  resided,  and 
in  the  following  autumn  he  was  elected  to  the  State 
House  of  Representatives,  an  honor  which  was  again 
accorded  in  the  following  year. 

In  1844  and  1845,  he  was  a  member  of  the  State 
Senate,  and  at  the  expiration  of  the  term  was  again 
elected  to  the  lower  branch  of  the  Legislature.  During 
the  several  years  in  which  he  represented  his  district  in 
the  State  councils,  he,  by  word  and  action,  always 
showed  himself  to  be  a  conscientious,  determined  oppo 
nent  of  slavery,  and  the  liberal,  uncompromising  friend 
of  the  colored  race.  He  fearlessly  advocated  the  ad 
mission  of  colored  children  into  the  public  schools  and 
the  granting  of  equal  rights  to  all  men ;  he  earnestly 
spoke  in  advocacy  of  the  protection  of  colored  seamen 
in  South  Carolina ;  and  no  man  was  more  ardent  or  sin 
cere  in  his  opposition  to  the  annexation  of  Texas,  his 
zeal  and  energy  backed  by  his  detestation  of  the  system 
of  Southern  bondage  having  prompted  him  to  use  suc 
cessful  efforts  to  get  up  a  convention  in  Middlesex 
county,  Massachusetts,  at  which  a  committee  was  ap 
pointed  which  secured  nearly  one  hundred  thousand 
signatures  to  a  protest  against  the  admission  of  Texas 
as  a  slave  state,  which  protest  was  subsequently  taken 
to  Washington  by  MR.  WILSON  and  his  friend  and  coad 
jutor,  the  renowned  poet,  Whittier. 

He  also  introduced  and  had  passed,  by  a  large  ma 
jority,  a  resolution  declaring  the  unalterable  hostility 
of  the  State  of  Massachusetts  to  the  further  extension 
and  longer  continuance  of  slavery  in  this  country,  and 
her  determination  to  invoke  all  Constitutional  means 


LIFE   OF    HON.   HENRY   WILSON.  351 

for  the  removal  of  the  curse,  and  in  introducing  the 
resolution,  he  delivered  in  its  support  an  argument 
which  was  pronounced,  by  competent  journalistic  critics, 
to  be  the  most  complete  and  exhaustive  that  had  been 
made  by  any  orator  or  statesman  who  had  spoken  upon 
the  question. 

In  1848,  MR.  WILSON  was  a  delegate  to  the  Whig 
National  Convention,  and  coring  its  deliberations  gave 
a  striking  evidence  of  the  firmness  and  independence 
for  which  he  is  noted,  when  he  thinks  he  is  right.  The 
Convention,  for  reasons  acceptable  to  the  majority  of 
its  members,  deemed  proper  to  reject  what  is  known  as 
the  Wilrnot  Proviso,  a  proceeding  which  was  so  dis 
tasteful  to  the  delegate  from  Massachusetts  that  he  de 
nounced  the  action  without  stint,  and  retiring  from  tho 
hall,  returned  to  his  constituency,  to  whom  he  issued  an 
address  explaining  and  vindicating  the  step  he  had 
taken,  and  immediately  enlisted  his  valuable  services  in 
promoting  the  organization  of  the  Free  Soil  part}',  at 
the  same  time  purchasing  the  Boston  Journal,  of  which 
during  the  succeeding  two  years,  he  was  the  principal 
editor. 

In  1849,  he  was  chosen  chairman  of  the  Free  Soil 
State  Committee  of  Massachusetts,  a  post  which  he 
filled  for  four  years  with  credit  and  to  the  great  advan 
tage  of  the  organization,  having,  among  other  judicious 
movements,  originated  the  well-known  coalition,  which 
made  Mr.  Boutwell,  the  present  Secretary  of  the  Trea 
sury,  Governor  of  Massachusetts,  and  Messrs.  Sumner 
and  Rantoul  United  States  Senators.  In  1850,  he  was 
again  elected  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  was 
the  Free  Soil  nominee  for  Speaker;  and  in  1851  and 
1852,  was  a  member  of  the  State  Senate  and  the  pre 
siding  officer  of  that  body. 

In  1852,  he  was  a  delegate  to  the  Free-Soil  National 


352  LIFE   OF    HON.   HENRY   WILSON. 

Convention  at  Pittsburg,  Peima.,  and  was  made  presi 
dent  of  the  convention,  and  subsequently  was  chosen 
chairman  of  the  National  Committee.  In  the  same  year 
he  was  the  Free-Soil  candidate  for  Congress  in  the 
eighth  district  of  Massachusetts,  and,  although  his  party 
was  in  a  minority  in  the  district  of  nearly  eight  thou 
sand,  he  was  defeated  by  only  ninety-two  votes.  He 
was  a  delegate  to  the  Massachusetts  Constitutional 
Convention  in  1853,  having  been  chosen  by  the  town  of 
Berlin,  as  well  as  by  his  fellow-citizens  of  Natick,  to 
represent  them,  and  during  its  sessions  was  a  most  at 
tentive  and  active  member.  In  the  years  1853  and 
1854,  he  was  the  nominee  of  the  Free-Soil  party  for 
Governor  of  his  State,  but  was  defeated,  and  in  1855  he 
was  elected  to  the  United  States  Senate,  to  fill  the 
vacancy  occasioned  by  the  resignation  of  Edward 
Everett. 

HIS  CAREER  IN  THE  SENATE. 

From  the  hour  that  HENRY  WILSON,  the  Natick  cob 
bler,  took  his  place  in  the  Senate  at  Washington,  his 
name  acquired  a  national  interest,  as  he  had  scarcely 
taken  the  oath  of  office  before  an  opportunity  occurred 
to  convince  the  learned  men  from  all  sections  of  the 
country  who  then  composed  the  Senate,  and  the  sensi 
ble  people  of  the  nation,  that  a  statesman  who  would 
soon  wield  vast  influence  had  been  entrusted  with  a  seat 
in  the  Capitol.  His  life  hitherto  had  been  devoted,  to 
a  great  extent,  to  the  amelioration  of  the  condition  of 
the  colored  race,  and  he  appreciated  the  innumerable 
advantages  accorded  by  his  honorable  promotion. 

The  projects  for  repealing  the  odious  fugitive  slave 
law,  and  for  abolishing  slavery  in  the  District  of  Colum 
bia  and  in  the  Territories,  gave  him  the  occasion  and 
the  inspiration  ;  and  of  all  the  oratorical  displays  and 


LIFE   OF    HON.   HENRY   WILSON.  353 

complete  arguments  made  by  this  distinguished  gentle 
man,  but  few,  if  any,  surpass  those  delivered  from  time 
to  time  during  the  debates  on  these  bills.  Advocating 
measures  in  opposition  to  the  pernicious  system  which 
gave  one  man  the  right  to  hold  another  as  a  chattel,  and 
to  absolve  under  the  hammer  all  the  relations  that  exist 
between  husband  and  wife,  and  parent  and  child,  was  at 
that  time  attended  with  innumerable  dangers ;  but  the 
Massachusetts  champion  never  flinched ;  and  when,  in 
the  spring  of  1856,  his  colleague,  Charles  Sumner,  was 
assaulted  in  the  Senate  chamber  by  Preston  S.  Brooks, 
of  South  Carolina,  for  words  spoken  in  debate,  MR. 
WILSON,  rising  in  his  place,  denounced  the  act  as  "  bru 
tal,  murderous  and  cowardly."  These  words,  publicly 
uttered  as  they  were,  drew  forth  a  challenge  from 
Brooks,  to  which  MR.  WILSON  replied,  in  language 
which  was  enthusiastically  endorsed  by  the  people  of 
the  nation,  and  which  convinced  Mr.  Sumner's  assailant 
so  entirely  of  the  fearlessness  of  the  speaker,  that  fur 
ther  proceedings  in  the  matter  were  permanently  sus 
pended.  MR.  WILSON'S  response  was  as  follows:  "I 
have  always  regarded  duelling  as  a  lingering  relic  of 
barbarous  civilization,  which  the  law  of  the  country  has 
branded  as  a  crime.  While,  therefore,  I  religiously  be 
lieve  in  the  right  of  self-defence,  in  its  broadest  sense, 
the  law  of  my  country  and  the  matured  convictions  of 
my  whole  life,  alike  forbid  me  to  meet  you  for  the  pur 
pose  indicated  in  your  letter."  On  another  occasion  he 
said  to  a  Southerner  who  menaced  him  with  a  revolver, 
"  Threats  have  no  terrors  for  freemen.  I  am  ready  to 
meet  argument  with  argument,  scorn  with  scorn,  and, 
if  need  be,  blow  with  blow.  It  is  time  the  champions 
of  slavery  in  the  South  should  realize  the  fact  that  the 
past  is  theirs,  the  future  ours." 

During  his  entire  term  he   received  the  endorsement 


354  LIFE   OF   HON.    HENRY    WILSON. 

of  the  citizens  of  his  State,  even  those  who  were  his 
political  opponents  being  willing  to  concede  that  his  ac 
tions  were  always  prompted  by  the  most  honorable  and 
commendable  motives.  Bis  speeches  were  numerous, 
but  always  to  the  point,  and  among  the  most  elaborate 
were  those  upon  the  Kansas  matters,  the  Treasury  note 
bill,  the  expenses  of  the  Government,  the  Tariff,  the  Pa 
cific  Railroad,  and  other  topics  of  National  importance. 
A  lengthy  and  magnificent  argument  in  defence  of  free 
labor,  in  reply  to  Senator  Hammond  of  South  Carolina, 
attained  an  immense  circulation  through  the  free  States. 
In  1859,  he  was  rewarded  for  his  valuable  services  by 
a  re-election  to  the  Senate,  and  when  that  body  two 
months  later  assembled,  he  was  selected  by  Viee-Presi- 
dent  Hamlin,  as  the  most  suitable  person  to  fill  the  po 
sition  of  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Military 
Affairs,  a  post  which  the  threatened  civil  war  promised 
to  make  one  of  extreme  responsibility  and  unremitting 
labor.  MR.  WILSON  was  prepared  for  the  emergency, 
and  accepted  the  trust  with  the  determination  to  do  his 
full  duty.  He  had  been  a  member  of  the  Committee 
for  a  few  years,  and  had  become  thoroughly  familiar 
with  all  matters  connected  with  the  organization  of  the 
army,  so  that,  when  the  threats  of  rebellion  were  no 
longer  unbelieved  murmurings,  and  the  attack  on  Sum- 
ter  assured  the  patriotic  residents  of  the  North,  East, 
and  West,  that  a  war  of  treason  had  actually  com 
menced,  the  Chairman  of  the  Military  Committee  was 
able  to  bring  experience  and  knowledge  of  details  to  his 
work.  It  may  be  stated  here,  that  MR.  WILSON  had 
always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  military  matters,  and 
had  filled  the  positions  of  Major,  Colonel  and  Briga 
dier-General  of  the  Militia  of  Massachusetts.  During 
the  long  years  of  war,  while  hundreds  of  thousands  of 
gallant  men  were  battling  in  defence  of  their  imperilled 


LIFE   OF   HOIST.    IIEXRY   WILSOX.  355 

country,  and  while  millions  of  others  were  either  en 
rolling  their  names  upon  the  records  of  patriotism  as 
defenders  of  the  Union  or  as  aiders  and  abettors  in  a 
holy  cause,  MR.  WILSON  was  always  at  work  origina 
ting  or  promoting  legislation  having  for  its  object  the 
organizing  or  governing  of  the  land  forces,  or  consider 
ing  the  thousands  of  names  submitted  to  the  committee 
by  the  Senate,  to  which  body  they  had  been  nominated 
for  appointment  by  President  Lincoln. 

At  the  earliest  moment  practicable  after  the  first  call 
for  volunteers  was  issued,  in  the  spring  of  1801,  MR. 
WILSON  hastened  to  Massachusetts  to  attend  some 
business  connected  with  his  official  duties,  but  he  had 
scarcely  reached  Boston  before  he  received  the  astound 
ing  tidings  that  the  Sixth  Massachusetts  Regiment  had 
been  attacked  and  fired  upon  while  passing  through 
Baltimore.  He  left  the  next  day  for  Washington,  and 
reaching  New  York,  sailed  immediately  afterwards  with 
some  forces  leaving  for  Washington,  and  found  General 
Butler  at  Annapolis,  and  communication  with  the  Capi 
tal  closed.  At  the  request  of  General  Butler  he  returned 
to  New  York,  obtained  several  heavy  cannon  for  the 
protection  of  Annapolis,  and  then  went  to  Washington, 
where  he  remained  until  the  meeting  of  Congress, 
franking  letters  for  the  soldiers,  laboring  in  the  hospi 
tals,  and  preparing  military  measures  to  be  presented 
when  Congress  should  meet.  The  session  of  Congress 
commenced  on  the  fourtli  of  July,  and  on  the  second 
day  MR.  WILSON  introduced  some  important  bills  and 
a  joint  resolution,  which,  although  it  failed  to  be 
adopted,  had  most  of  its  provisions  subsequently  incor 
porated  into  another  measure. 

One  of  the  bills  authorized  the  employment  of  five 
hundred  thousand  volunteers  for  three  years,  to  aid  in 
enforcing  the  laws ;  a  second  increased  the  regular 


356  LIFE   OF    HON.   HENRY  WILSON. 

army  by  the  addition  of  twenty-five  thousand  men,  and 
a  third  provided  for  the  "  better  organization  of  the 
military  establishment."  These  measures  were  referred 
to  the  Military  Committee,  expeditiously  acted  upon, 
promptly  reported  back  by  MR.  WILSON,  slightly 
amended,  and  enacted  into  laws.  The  joint  resolution 
referred  to  above  as  having  failed  to  pass,  proposed  to 
ratify  and  confirm  certain  acts  of  the  President  for  the 
suppression  of  insurrection  and  rebellion.  He  also 
introduced  and  advocated  the  passage  of  a  bill  which 
authorized  the  President  to  accept  five  hundred  thou 
sand  more  volunteers,  and  to  appoint  such  number  of 
Major-Generals  and  Brigadier-Generals  of  volunteers  as 
in  his  judgment  might  be  required;  also  bills  "to 
authorize  the  President  to  appoint  additional  aids-de 
camp,"  containing  a  provision  abolishing  flogging  in 
the  army ;  "  to  make  appropriations  for  the  military 
service ;  "  "  to  provide  for  the  purchase  of  arms,  ord 
nance  and  ordnance  stores;"  "to  increase  the  corps 
of  engineers,"  and  "  to  increase  the  pay  of  privates," 
which  raised  the  pay  of  the  soldiers  from  eleven  to 
thirteen  dollars  per  month,  and  at  the  same  time  had  a 
provision  adopted  which  provided  that  all  the  acts  of 
the  President  respecting  the  army  and  navy  should  be 
approved,  legalized  and  made  valid. 

At  the  close  of  the  session,  General  Scott,  who  neces 
sarily  had  ample  and  excellent  opportunity  to  know  of 
what  he  spoke,  declared  that  Senator  WILSON  had  done 
more  work  in  that  short  session  than  all  the-chairmen 
of  the  military  committees  had  done  in  a  score  of  years 
So  impressed  indeed  was  the  veteran  with  the  ability 
and  usefulness  of  MR.  WILSON,  that,  without  conferring 
with  that  gentleman,  he,  as  soon  as  the  extra  session 
of  Congress  was  over,  recommended  President  Lincoln 
to  change  the  Senatorial  toga  for  a  military  uniform, 


LIFE   OF   HON.    HENRY   WILSON  357 

having  on  the  shoulder  a  single  star ;  but  the  person 
most  interested  respectfully  declined  the  honor,  express 
ing  his  preference  for  a  seat  in  the  Senate  to  the  posi 
tion  of  Brigadier-General  of  Volunteers.  He  did  not 
object,  however,  to  taking  the  field  in  a  less  prominent 
position,  and  while  arranging  with  General  McClellan 
for  an  appointment  upon  his  staff  as  a  volunteer  aid-de 
camp,  with  the  rank  of  Colonel,  he  was  importuned  by 
high  Government  officials  to  raise  in  his  native  State  a 
regiment  of  infantry,  a  battery,  and  a  company  of 
sharp  shooters.  Feeling  that  he  might,  by  his  actual 
presence  at  the  head  of  a  command  during  the  Con 
gressional  recess,  add  to  the  enthusiasm  of  the  gallant 
men  who  were  anxiously  awaiting  within  the  borders 
of  the  Commonwealth  the  announcement  that  their  ser 
vices  were  needed  at  the  front,  he  went  to  Massachu 
setts,  addressed  a  stirring  appeal  to  his  fellow-citizens, 
and  in  little  more  than  five  weeks  completed  the  organi 
zation  of  one  regiment  of  infantry,  one  company  of 
sharp-shooters,  and  two  batteries,  and  filled  nine  com 
panies  of  another  regiment,  in  all  nearly  two  thousand 
three  hundred  men.  He  was  commissioned  Colonel  of 
the  full  regiment  (the  Twenty-second),  and  with  the 
greater  portion  of  the  command  he  had  enlisted  went 
to  Washington,  and  was  assigned  to  General  Martin- 
dale's  Brigade,  in  General  Fitz  John  Porter's  Division, 
stationed  in  Virginia. 

After  serving  for  a  brief  period  he,  at  the  solicitation 
of  the  Secretary  of  War,  resigned  his  commission,  and 
took  the  position  of  volunteer  aid,  with  the  rank  of 
Colonel,  on  the  staff  of  General  McClellan.  The  Secre 
tary  of  War,  in  pressing  him  to  resign  his  commission 
and  take  this  position,  said  that  he  did  so  because  he 
believed  that  it  would  enable  him,  by  practical  observa 
tion  of  the  condition  and  actual  experience  of  the 


358  LIFE   OF   HON.   HENRY   WILSON. 

organization  of  the  army,  the  better  to  prepare  the 
proper  legislation  to  give  the  highest  development  and 
efficiency  to  the  military  forces.  He  served  on  General 
McClellan's  staff  until  the  9th  of  January,  1862,  when 
the  necessity  of  his  presence  in  the  Senate  compelled 
him  to  resign. 

During  the  pending  session  MR.  WILSON  introduced, 
and  was  instrumental  in  passing  numerous  bills  of 
great  importance  to  the  nation,  among  them  the  follow 
ing:  "relating  to  courts-martial;"  "  to  provide  for 
allotment  certificates  ;  "  "  for  the  better  organization 
of  the  signal  department  of  the  army ;  "  "  for  the  ap 
pointment  of  sutlers  in  the  volunteer  service,  and 
defining  their  duties ;  "  "  authorizing  the  President  to 
assign  the  command  of  troops  in  the  same  field  or 
department,  to  officers  of  the  same  grade,  without  re 
gard  to  seniority;"  "to  increase  the  efficiency  of  the 
medical  department  of  the  army  ;  "  "  to  facilitate  the 
discharge  of  enlisted  men  for  physical  disability  ;  "  "  to 
provide  additional  medical  officers  of  the  volunteer  ser 
vice;  "  "  to  encourage  enlistments  in  the  regular  army, 
and  the  volunteer  forces ; "  "  for  the  presentation  of 
medals  of  honor  to  enlisted  men  of  the  army  and  volun 
teer  forces,  who  have  distinguished,  or  who  may  distin 
guish  themselves  in  battle  during  the  present  rebellion ; " 
"to  define  the  pay  and  emoluments  of  certain  officers  of 
the  army,  and  for  other  purposes ; "  and  "  to  amend 
the  act  calling  forth  the  militia  to  execute  the  laws, 
suppress  insurrection  and  repel  invasion,"  the  last 
authorizing  for  the  first  time  the  enrolment  in  the 
militia,  and  the  drafting  of  negroes,  and  empowering 
the  President  to  accept,  organize,  and  arm  colored  men 
for  military  purposes. 

MR.  WILSON'S  activity  and  zeal  were  acknowledged 
and  complimented  officially  and  unofficially,  but  by  no 


LIFE    OF    HON.    HENRY   WILSON.  359 

one  was  the  verdict  of  the  Government  and  of  the 
people  more  forcibly  expressed  than  it  was  by  Simon 
Cameron,  the  Secretary  of  War,  in  a  letter  to  Senator 
WILSON,  written  in  January,  1862,  in  which  he  said  : 

"  No  man,  in  my  opinion,  in  the  whole  country,  has 
done  more  to  aid  the  War  Department  in  preparing  the 
mighty  army  now  under  arms,  than  yourself ;  and,  be 
fore  leaving  this  city,  I  think  it  my  duty  to  offer  to  you 
my  sincere  thanks,  as  its  late  head.  As  chairman  of 
the  Military  Committee  of  the  Senate,  your  services 
were  invaluable.  At  the  first  call  for  troops,  you  came 
here ;  and  up  to  the  meeting  of  Congress,  a  period  of 
more  than  six  months,  your  labors  were  incessant ; 
sometimes  in  encouraging  the  administration  by  assu 
rance  of  support  from  Congress,  by  encouraging  volun 
teering  in  your  own  State,  by  raising  a  regiment  your 
self,  when  other  men  began  to  fear  that  compulsory 
drafts  might  be  necessary ;  and  in  the  Senate,  by 
preparing  the  bills  and  assisting  to  get  the  necessary 
appropriations  for  organizing,  clothing,  arming,  and 
supplying  the  army,  you  have  been  constantly  and 
profitably  employed  in  the  great  cause  of  putting  down 
this  unnatural  rebellion." 

During  the  succeeding  years  of  the  rebellion,  and 
until  the  great  chieftain,  whose  name  is  now  upon  the 
same  ticket  with  the  honored  statesman  submitted  for 
the  suffrage  of  the  Republican  party,  brought  the  san 
guinary  struggle  to  a  close,  MR.  WILSON  labored  with 
unabated  earnestness  and  energy,  and  during  each 
successive  session  of  Congress  introduced  and  assisted 
in  their  passage  important  bills,  too  numerous  to  men 
tion  in  detail,  but  among  them  the  following :  "An 
act  to  facilitate  the  discharge  of  disabled  soldiers,  and 
the  inspection  of  convalescent  camps  and  hospitals ; " 
"  to  improve  the  organization  of  the  cavalry  forces ;  " 


360  LIFE    OF    HON.    HENRY   WILSON. 

"  to  authorize  an  increase  in  the  number  of  Major 
and  Brigadier- Generals  ;  "  "  for  enrolling  and  calling 
out  the  national  forces,  and  for  other  purposes;"  "to 
establish  a  uniform  system  of  ambulances  in  the  armies  ;" 
"  to  increase  the  pay  of  soldiers  in  the  United  States 
army,  and  for  other  purposes,"  raising  the  pa}'  of  pri 
vates  to  sixteen  dollars  a  month ;  "to  provide  for  the 
examination  of  certain  officers  of  the  army;"  "to  pro 
vide  for  the  better  organization  of  the  Quartermaster's 
Department ;  "  "  an  act  in  addition  to  the  several  acts 
for  enrolling  and  calling  out  the  national  forces  ;  "  "  to 
incorporate  a  national  military  and  naval  asylum  for 
the  relief  of  totally  disabled  men  of  the  volunteer 
forces ; "  "  to  incorporate  the  National  Freedmen's 
Saving  Bank;  "  "to  incorporate  the  National  Academy 
of  Sciences  ;  "  "to  encourage  enlistments,  and  promote 
the  efficiency  of  the  military  and  naval  forces ; "  "  to 
amend  the  act  entitled,  '  an  act  for  enrolling  and  calling 
out  the  national  forces,'  " — this  bill  made  negroes  a  part 
of  the  militia,  authorized  the  President  to  receive,  into 
the  military  or  naval  service,  persons  of  African  descent, 
and  made  free  such  persons,  their  mothers,  wives,  and 
children,  if  they  owed  service  to  any  persons  who  gave 
aid  to  the  rebellion  ; — and  a  joint  resolution  "  to  encour 
age  the  employment  of  disabled  and  discharged  sol 
diers."  He  also  had  the  Army  Appropriation  bill  of 
June,  1864,  amended,  so  that  all  persons  of  color  who 
had  been,  or  who  might  be  mustered  into  the  military 
service,  should  receive  the  same  uniform,  clothing,  arms, 
equipments,  camp  equipage,  rations,  medical  attendance 
and  pay,  as  other  soldiers,  from  the  1st  day  of  January, 
1864. 

While  attending  to  his  duties  as  Chairman  of  the 
Military  Committee,  he  did  not  forget  the  civil  rights 
and  requirements  of  the  class  whom  the  prowess  of  the 


LIFE    OF    HOX.    HENRY   WILSON".  361 

Union  forces  on  land  and  sea,  and  the  proclamation  of 
the  beloved  President  Lincoln,  had  released  from  a  life 
of  bondage,  and  among  the  measures  of  which  he  can 
with  justice  claim  the  paternity  was  the  one  abolishing 
slavery  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  which  became  a 
law  on  the  16th  of  April,  1862,  and  one  enacted  May 
21st,  1862,  providing  that  persons  of  color  in  the  Dis 
trict  of  Columbia  should  be  subject  to  the  same  laws  to 
which  white  persons  were  subject ;  that  they  should  be 
tried  for  offences  against  the  laws  in  the  same  manner 
as  white  persons  were  tried,  and,  if  convicted,  be  liable 
to  the  same  penalty,  and  no  other,  as  would  be  inflicted 
upon  white  persons  for  the  same  crime.  The  various 
bills  having  reference  to  the  organization  and  continu 
ance  of  the  Freedmen's  Bureau,  the  Civil  Rights  Bill, 
Negro  Suffrage,  Reconstruction,  the  Constitutional 
amendments,  the  impeachment  of  Andrew  Johnson, 
and  all  other  important  measures  in  which  the  people 
of  the  country,  of  all  colors  and  nationalities,  native- 
born  and  adopted,  have  from  time  to  time,  as  they  came 
up,  received  his  attention,  and  swelled  the  volume  of 
his  addresses,  and  his  re-election,  in  1865,  proved  con 
clusively  how  well  he  satisfied  his  constituents. 

NAMED    FOR   VICE-PRESIDENT. 

At  the  National  Union  Republican  Convention,  held 
in  Chicago  in  May,  1868,  HENRY  WILSON  was  one  of 
the  ten  eminent  citizens  placed  in  nomination  for  Vice- 
president  of  the  United  States,  and  received  119  votes 
on  the  first  ballot,  113  on  the  second,  101  on  the  third, 
87  on  the  fourth,  and  61  on  the  fifth  and  last  ballot, 
when  Schuyler  Colfax  was  nominated.  During  the  cam 
paign  that  ensued,  he  did  much  valuable  service  in  be 
half  of  his  party  and  its  candidates,  his  eloquent  voice 
being  heard  in  many  of  the  States  of  the  Union. 


362  LIFE   OF   HON.   HENRY  WILSON. 

HIS    REPUBLICAN    BELIEF. 

In  18T1,  MB.  WILSON  was  re-elected  to  the  Senate, 
and  at  the  opening  of  Congress,  was  again  appointed 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs,  a  posi 
tion  he  holds  at  this  writing.  He  has  always  been  a 
warm  friend  and  admirer  of  President  Grant,  and  an 
undeviating  advocate  of  the  principles  of  the  Republi 
can  party.  To  use  his  own  language,  expressed  in  a 
letter  written  in  November,  1811,  he  said  : 

"  I  am  a  Republican  by  conviction  as  well  as  by  as 
sociation.  Born  in  extreme  poverty,  bound  as  an  ap 
prentice  at  an  early  age,  I  learned  by  bitter  experience 
the  trials  and  hardships  the  poor  are  doomed  to  suffer 
from  boyhood.  Every  pulsation  of  my  heart  has  been 
in  sympathy  with  the  sons  and  daughters  of  toil  of  all 
races.  My  early  experiences  made  me  abhor  wrong  and 
oppression,  so  I  early  became  an  enemy  of  slavery  and 
of  the  rule  of  the  slave-masters.  I  saw  and  felt  the  de 
grading  influences  of  a  system  that  held  workingmen 
in  enforced  toil,  that  allowed  capital  to  own  labor.  For 
more  than  twenty  years  I  strove  to  make  a  political 
power  to  emancipate  the  slave  and  end  the  iron  rule  of 
the  master. 

"  The  Republican  party  came  into  being  to  break  the 
power  of  the  owners  of  labor  and  to  deliver  the  laborer, 
to  lift  from  the  brows  of  the  workingmen  the  dishonor 
of  enforced  toil,  and  to  make  our  country  a  glorious 
land  where  labor  can  look  up  and  be  proud  in  the  midst 
of  its  toil.  I  did  what  I  could  to  bring  it  as  a  party 
into  being.  It  has  done  grand  work  for  the  country 
and  for  the  toiling  men  of  the  country,  and  of  the  world 
too.  History  records  no  nobler  achievements.  Its 
work  is  not  yet  secure,  nor  is  it  completed.  I  can  do 
nothing  to  endanger  that  work  ;  nor  can  I  do  anything 


LIFE    OF    HON.    HENRY    WILSON.  363 

to  arrest  the  completion  of  the  work  imposed  upon  the 
Republican  party  by  the  needs  of  the  country  and  the 
logic  of  its  own  principles,  that  require  it  to  be  as  true 
to  the  interests  of  white  workingmen  as  it  has  been  to 
the  interests  of  black  workingmen.  I  am  constrained 
by  an  imperative  sense  of  duty  to  stand  by  the  Repub 
lican  party  till  its  great  work  is  secured  and  finished. 
But  whatever  I  can  do  shall  ever  be  done  to  aid  in  im 
proving,  elevating,  and  rewarding  labor." 

HE  IS  NOMINATED  FOB  VICE-PRESIDENT. 
At  the  National  Convention  of  the  Republican  party 
held  June  6th,  18T2,  HENRY  WILSON,  of  Massachusetts, 
was  nominated  for  Vice-President,  he  having  been  placed 
in  nomination  by  Hon.  Morton  McMichael,  of  Philadel 
phia,  in  the  following  words :  "  Pennsylvania,  through 
her  delegation,  has  instructed  me  to  present  to  this 
Convention,  as  her  candidate  for  the  Vice-Presidency, 
that  able  and  upright  man,  that  honest  and  faithful 
Senator,  that  earnest  and  diligent  supporter  of  human 
freedom,  that  eloquent  advocate  of  the  rights  of  labor 
and  the  laboring  classes,  HENRY  WILSON,  of  Massachu 
setts." 

As  soon  as  the  loud  applause,  which  greeted  the  nomi 
nation,  had  subsided,  Dr.  Loring,  of  Massachusetts, 
said  : 

"  I  have  but  one  word  to  say  on  this  subject.  Massachusetts 
has  not  occupied  much  of  the  time  of  this  convention  in  speech- 
making.  She  has  sat  here  silently  and  quietly,  ready  that  her 
voice  should  be  heard  whenever  called  for,  and  ready  to  do  her 
duty  in  solid  column  when  the  occasion  demands  it.  I  desire  to 
say  to  this  convention  that  there  is  no  division  in  the  Republi 
can  party  of  Massachusetts ;  and,  so  far  as  the  administration 
of  General  Grant  is  concerned  [applause],  I  desire,  in  behalf 
of  that  Commonwealth,  so  true  and  so  devoted  to  Republican 
principles,  to  express  the  gratitude  of  the  delegation  from  that 
State  to  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania,  who  has  put  in 
nomination  her  favorite  Senator. 
23 


364  LIFE   OF   HON.    TIEXRY   WILSON". 

"It  is  not  the  first  time  in  history  that  Pennsylvania  and 
Massachusetts  have  stood  together,  side  by  side.  The  gentle 
man  who  has  just  addressed  you  has  told  you  the  Republican 
party  had  its  birth  and  baptism  here.  So  they  did,  sir.  In 
those  days  when  Massachusetts  sent  here  John  Adams  and 
Samuel  Adams,  and  the  blood  of  Joseph  Warren  and  General 
Hancock  gave  birth  to  the  cause  of  Republicanism,  it  was  in 
1776  that  Republicanism  was  baptized  here,  and  Massachusetts 
stood  by  the  cradle  and  was  present  on  that  great  occasion. 
Now  I  desire  to  second  the  motion  of  the  gentleman  from 
Pennsylvania.  Tn  presenting  the  name  of  HENRY  WIT-SON  as  a 
candidate  [applause]  for  the  Vice-Presidency  of  the  United 
States,  he  has  not  only  paid  a  tribute  to  the  fidelity  of  Mas 
sachusetts  Republicanism,  but  he  has  paid  a  tribute  to  that 
spirit  of  genius,  and  of  devotion,  and  fidelity,  and  honesty,  and 
honor  which  will  always  pave  the  way  for  great  success  to  the 
poor  and  the  toiling  of  this  country.  HEXKY  WILSON  repre 
sents,  in  all  his  attributes,  more  than  any  other  man  I  know  of, 
the  power  of  high  principles,  of  thorough  devotion,  to  over 
come  all  the  obstacles  which  fall  in  the  path  of  childhood,  and 
youth,  and  mature  years.  Here  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a 
century  he  has  adhered  to  the  great  principles  of  that  party. 
He  was  devoted  to  it  long  before  it  was  a  party  ;  and  it  was 
HENRY  WILSON'S  voice  which  was  early  heard  in  the  cause  of 
freedom.  I  ask  you  to  name  to  me  the  Commonwealth  in  this 
Union  where  that  voice  has  not  been  heard  in  the  cause  ;  I  ask 
you  to  point  out  to  me  the  down-trodden  and  oppressed  citizens 
of  the  United  States  who  have  not  been  encouraged  by  HENHY 
WILSON,  and  aided  by  him  in  lifting  themselves  above  oppres 
sion.  Warm-hearted,  generous,  devoted  to  Republican  princi 
ples  this  land  over,  he  is  ready  to  do  his  duty  in  season  and  out 
of  season.  And  let  me  tell  you  that  as  GENERAL  WILSON  stood 
by  the  cradle  of  the  Republican  party  in  his  poverty  and  in  his 
youth,  he,  if  this  party  is  to  fall,  will  follow  it  to  the  grave,  the 
saddest  and  most  broken-hearted  mourner  in  all  that  mourning 
procession.  He  is  devoted  to  this  cause,  and  I  assure  you,  my 
friends,  that  he  will  add  strength  to  the  ticket  put  in  nomi 
nation  to-day,  representing,  as  he  does,  the  toiling  people  of 
this  country." 

SPEECH    OF    OSSIAN    KAY. 

Ossian  Ray,  of  New  Hampshire,  spoke  as  follows : 

"  GENTLEMEN  OF  THE  CONVENTION  :  Coming  as  I  do  from  the 
State  in  which  HENRY  WILSON  was  born,  it  gives  me  un 
bounded  pleasure  to  announce  that  we  are  united  on  Massa 
chusetts'  favorite  and  great  Senator,  HENRY  WILSON.  We 
ought  to  nominate  him  as  Vice-President,  because  he  is  a  good 


LIFE   OF   HON.    HENRY  WILSON.  365 

man  and  true,  because  he  lias  always  been  the  friend  of  the 
people,  and  always  right.  It  is  peculiarly  appropriate  we 
should  honor  ourselves  by  honoring  him  with  the  nomination. 
It  is  as  fitting  a  disapproval  on  the  part  of  the  Republican 
party  of  the  course  of  his  colleague  as  could  be  given. 

"  Another  reason  why  I  think  he  should  be  nominated  on 
this  ticket  is,  that  1  firmly  believe,  if  we  were  to  call  up  the 
entire  nation  and  have  its  vote  taken  throughout  the  land,  he 
would  receive  the  entire  vote  of  the  Republican  party.  If  they 
could  decide  whether  or  not  HENRY  WILSON  should  be  nomi 
nated  or  some  other  man  selected  as  a  candidate,  he  would 
carry  the  day  by  a  million  majority.  We  are  here  simply  to 
register  the  voice  of  all  our  people.  The  name  of  HENRY  WIL 
SON  is  one  which  will  add  strength  and  fame  even  to  that  of 
the  colossal  name  of  the  great  Captain  of  the  Western  World. 
Like  General  Grant,  he  has  been  the  architect  of  his  own  for 
tunes. 

"  He  commenced  life  poor,  by  graduating  from  a  shoemakers 
shop.  It  is  the  pride  of  American  civilization  that,  by  the 
practice  of  honesty  and  perseverance,  the  highest  offices  within 
the  nation's  gift  are  within  the  possible  reach  of  the  humblest 
youth  in  the  land.  With  a  good  tanner  at  the  head  of  the 
ticket  to  tan  the  welts  of  the  enemy,  and  with  a  good  shoe 
maker  to  sew  them  up,  and  drive  the  pegs,  if  need  be,  we  shall 
win  next  November,  by  a  large  majority.  I  hope,  gentlemen, 
for  the  nomination  of  the  honest  and  noble  HENKY  WILSON." 

SPEECH  OP  MR.  NOYES. 

Mr.  Nerves,  of  Georgia,  colored,  spoke  as  follows: 

"  GENTLEMEN  OF  THE  CONVENTION  :  I  arise  on  behalf  of  a  large 
portion  of  the  Georgia  delegation,  and  on  behalf  of  a  great 
majority  of  the  Southern  Republicans,  and  second  the  nomina 
tion  of  the  HON.  HENRY  WILSON,  of  Massachusetts.  While 
much  honor  is  due  to  the  Hon.  Schuyler  Col  fax,  this  great 
hoary  champion  of  human  liberty  and  freedom  in  this  country 
deserves  something  at  the  hands  of  the  American  people. 

"  Sir,  commencing  his  early  life  in  poverty,  he  commenced 
almost  coequal  with  his  manhood  the  battles  of  humanity  in 
this  country.  Massachusetts  has  repeatedly  honored  him,  as 
she  ought  to  have  done,  and  he  has  a  heart  that  is  broader 
than  the  State  of  Massachusetts.  It  reaches  out  further  than 
any  State  line  can  extend,  and  embraces  his  whole  country. 
He  has  labored  for  his  country  earnestly  and  long.  He  has 
fought  long  and  well  in  behalf  of  human  liberty,  American 
honor  and  dignity,  and  we  think  the  time  has  come  when  the 
people  of  this  country  should  give  him  a  recognition  for  his 
services.  We  of  the  South  have  an  especial  interest  in  this 


366  LIFE    OF    HON.    HENRY   WILSON. 

matter.  We  remember  the  fiery  ordeal  through  which  we 
have  passed,  and  we  remember  that  while  bold  and  true  men 
stood  by  us  in  that  ordeal,  HENRY  WILSON  was  among  the 
foremost. 

"Sir,  we  hold  that  this  is  clue  not  only  to  the  services  of 
HENRY  WILSON,  but  that  it  is  due  especially  to  Massachusetts, 
and  to  the  East.  We  have  taken  our  President  again  and 
again  from  the  West.  The  Republican  party  has  never 
selected  a  candidate  for  the  Presidency  from  the  East.  We 
have  taken  our  Vice-President  at  the  last  election  from  the 
West,  and  now  we  hold  that  some  recognition  is  due  to  the 
East  for  its  devotion  to  the  country. 

"Mr.  Chairman,  then,  sir,  in  behalf  of  much  the  larger  por 
tion  of  the  Georgia  delegation,  in  behalf  of  the  great  loyal 
heart  of  the  people  of  the  South,  it  gives  me  inexpressible 
pleasure  to  second  the  nomination  of  the  HON.  HENRY  WILSON, 
of  Massachusetts." 

On  the  first  and  only  ballot  the  vote  stood  as  follows: 
Henry  Wilson,  3641;  Schnyler  Colfax,  321-J;  John  F. 
Lewis,  22;  E.  J.  Davis,  16;  Horace  Maynard,  26; 
Governor  Hawley  and  E.  F.  Noyes,  1  each.  Before 
the  Chairman  could  announce  the  result,  one  State 
after  another  changed  its  vote  to  the  winning  candi 
date,  until  at  last,  a  motion  to  make  unanimous  the 
nomination  of  that  "  good  man  and  distinguished 
patriot,  HENRY  WILSON,"  was  adopted  amid  great 
enthusiasm. 

HE  IS  NOTIFIED   OF  HIS  NOMINATION. 

On  June  10th,  the  officers  of  the  Convention  pro 
ceeded  to  the  National  Capital  to  apprise  MR.  WIL 
SON  officially  of  his  nomination.  Judge  Settle  handed 
the  Senator  a  letter,  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy : 

"WASHINGTON,  June  l(Wi.  1872. 

"  HON.  HENRY  WILSON:  In  accordance  with  a  resolution 
passed  by  the  National  Republican  Convention,  held  at  Phila 
delphia  on  the  5th  and  6th  inst.,  we,  the  President  and  Vice- 
Presidents  of  that  body,  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  of  your 
unanimous  selection  as  the  candidate  of  the  Republican  Party 
for  the  position  of  Vice-President  of  the  United  States.  The 
enthusiasm  and  unanimity  which  prevailed  among  so  many 


LIFE   OF   HON.   HENKY   WILSON.  367 

leading  men,  from  every  State  and  Territory,  point  unmis 
takably  to  the  triumphant  election  of  our  ticket.  As  there  is 
no  one  more  worthy  of  the  position,  or  whose  election  would 
give  more  universal  satisfaction,  we  beg  your  acceptance  of 
the  nomination. 

"Your  obedient  servants, 

"THOMAS  SETTLE, 
"  President  National  Republican  Convention, 

"  And  the  Vice-Presidents." 

MR.  WILSON  made  the  following  reply :  "  I  will  in  a 
day  or  two  give  you  an  answer  in  writing  to  this  com 
munication.  I  take  this  occasion,  however,  to  thank 
you  and  the  members  of  the  Convention  you  represent 
for  this  manifestation  of  confidence.  As  I  neither 
asked  nor  wrote  to  any  member  of  the  Convention  to 
give  me  a  vote,  I  am  all  the  more  grateful  for  their 
generous  support.  I  am  grateful,  too,  for  the  friendly 
tone  of  the  Republican  press  of  the  countiy.  For 
thirty-six  years,  in  public  life  and  in  private  life,  I  have 
striven  to  maintain  the  distinguishing  idea  of  the  Re 
publican  party,  the  freedom  and  equality  of  all  men ;  I 
have  striven  ever  to  be  true  to  my  country  and  to  the 
rights  of  our  common  humanity,  to  know  no  sectional 
interest  nor  race  nor  color.  In  the  future,  as  in  the 
past,  I  shall  unfalteringly  adhere  to  those  principles 
which  are  the  convictions  of  my  judgment,  heart  and 
conscience.  I  am  clearly  of  the  opinion  that  the  great 
soldier  who  rendered  such  illustrious  services  to  the 
country  in  the  great  civil  war  will  be  re-elected  Presi 
dent  of  the  United  States.  His  humanity  to  the  van 
quished,  his  firmness  to  vindicate  the  rights  of  the 
humble  and  defenceless,  and  his  devotion  to  the  lead 
ing  ideas  of  the  Republican  party,  cannot  be  questioned. 
I  esteem  it  a  high  honor  to  be  associated  with  him  in 
the  coming  contest.  While  1  am  grateful  to  the  friends 
who  gave  me  such  generous  support,  I  honor  those  who 
adhered  with  such  devotion  to  Mr.  Colfax.  We  have 


368  LIFE    OF    HON.    HENRY   WILSON. 

been  personal  and  political  friends  for  nearly  twenty 
years,  and  it  is  a  source  of  profound  satisfaction  to  me 
that  our  personal  relations  have  not  been  disturbed  by 
the  recent  contest.  While  I  shall  never  cease  to  feel 
grateful  to  friends  who  honored  me  by  their  support,  I 
shall  ever  entertain  sincere  respect  for  those  who 
deemed  it  to  be  their  duty  to  give  their  support  to 
others.  I  hope  we  shall  all  strive  to  win  to  our  support 
every  honest  and  patriotic  man  in  the  country,  every 
man  true  to  the  rights  of  humanity,  every  man  who 
would  elevate  the  condition  of  the  toiling  millions,  and 
have  our  republic  become  a  great  Christian  nation  and 
example  to  the  world. 

"  Let  it  be  understood  that  our  ranks  are  wide  open 
to  receive  all  devoted  to  the  country,  and  who  would 
advance  the  happiness  and  general  well-being  of  all 
sections  of  the  land,  and  all  conditions  of  the  people. 
We,  Republicans,  should  offer  the  hand  of  reconcilia 
tion  to  all  fair-minded  and  honorable  men,  and  use  all 
legitimate  means  to  achieve  success,  for  the  honor  and 
salvation  of  the  county,  as  well  as  for  that  of  the 
party  which  saved  the  Union  and  established  freedom 
in  every  part  of  the  land." 

Four  days  later,  SENATOR  WILSON  wrote  the  follow 
ing  letter  of  acceptance: 

WASHINGTON  June  14th.  1872. 

"To  Hon.  Thos.  Settle  and  others,  Presidents  and  Vice-Presi 
dents  of  the  National  Republican  Convention,  held  at  Phila 
delphia  on  the  6th  and  Qth  of  present  month : 
"  GENTLEMEN  : — Your  note  of  the  10th  inst.,  conveying1  to  me 
the  action  of  the  Convention  in  placing  my  name  in  nomina 
tion  for  the  office  of  Yice-President  of  the  United  States  is 
before  me.     I  beg  you  will  accept  the  assurance  of  my  grateful 
appreciation  of  the  high  honor  conferred  upon  me  by  the  action 
of  the  Fifth  National   Convention  of  the    Republican    Party. 
Sixteen  years  ago,  in  the  same  city,  was  held  the  first  meeting 
of  the  men  who,  amid  the  darkness  and  doubts  of  that  hour  of 
slave-holding   ascendency   and    aggression,    had   assembled   in 
National  Convention  to  confer  with  each  other  on  the  exigen 


LIFE   OF   HON.   HEXKY  WJLSON.  369 

cies  to  which  that  fearful  domination  had  brought  their  coitntry. 
After  full  conference,  the  highest  point  of  resolve  they  could 
reach,  the  most  they  dared  to  recommend,  was  the  avowed 
purpose  to  prohibit  the  existence  of  slavery  in  the  Territories. 
Last  week  the  same  party  met  by  its  representatives  from 
thirty-seven  States  and  ten  Territories,  at  the  same  great 
centre  of  wealth,  intelligence  and  power,  to  review  the  past,  take 
note  of  the  present,  and  indicate  its  line  of  action  for  the  future. 
As  typical  facts,  headlands  of  the  nation's  recent  history,  there 
sat  on  its  platform,  taking  prominent  and  honorable  part  in  its 
proceedings,  admitted  on  terms  of  perfect  equality  to  the  lead 
ing  hotels  of  the  city,  not  only  the  colored  representatives  of 
the  race  which  were  ten  years  before  in  abject  slavery,  but  one 
of  the  oldest  and  most  prominent  of  the  once  despised  aboli 
tionists,  to  whom  was  accorded,  as  to  rio  other,  the  warmest 
demonstrations  of  popular  regard  and  esteem,  and  ovation.  Not 
to  him  alone,  but  to  the  cause  he  had  so  ably  and  for  so  many 
years  represented,  and  to  the  men  and  women,  living  and  dead, 
who  had  toiled  through  long  years  of  obloquy  and  self-sacrifice 
for  the  glorious  fruition  of  that  hour.  It  hardly  needed  the 
brilliant  summary  of  its  platform  to  set  forth  its  illustrious 
achievements.  The  very  presence  of  those  men  was  alone  signi 
ficant  of  the  victories  already  achieved,  the  progress  already 
made,  and  the  great  distance  which  the  nation  had  travelled 
between  the  years  1856  and  1872.  But  grand  as  has  been  its 
record,  the  Eepublican  party  rests  not  on  its  past  alone.  It 
looks  to  the  future,  and  grapples  with  it  problems  of  duty  and 
of  danger.  It  proposes  as  objects  of  its  immediate  accom 
plishment  '  Complete  liberty  and  exact  equality  for  all ;  the 
enforcement  of  the  recent  amendments  to  the  National  Consti 
tution  ;  reform  in  the  civil  service ;  the  national  domain  to  be 
set  apart  for  homes  to  the  people  ;  the  adjustment  of  duties  on 
imports  so  as  to  secure  remunerative  wages  to  labor ;  the 
extension  of  bounties  to  all  soldiers  and  sailors,  who,  in  the 
line  of  duty,  became  disabled;  the  continual  and  careful  encour 
agement  and  protection  of  voluntary  immigration,  and  the 
guarding  with  zealous  care  the  rights  of  adopted  citizens ;  the 
abolition  of  the  franking  privilege  and  the  speedy  reduction  of 
the  rates  of  postage  ;  the  reduction  of  the  national  debt  and 
the  rates  of  interest,  and  the  resumption  of  specie  payment; 
the  encouragement  of  American  commerce  and  of  ship-building; 
the  suppression  of  violence  and  the  protection  of  the  ballot-box.' 
It  also  placed  on  record  the  opinions  and  purposes  of  the 
party,  in  favor  of  amnesty,  against  all  forms  of  repudiation,  and 
indorsed  the  humane  and  peaceful  policy  of  the  Administration 
in  regard  to  the  Indians.  But  while  clearly  defining  and  dis 
tinctly  announcing  the  policy  of  the  Republican  party  on  these 
questions  of  practical  legislation  and  administration,  the  Con 
vention  did  not  ignore  the  great  social  problems  which  are 


370  LIB'E    OF    HON.    HENRY   WILSON. 

pressing  their  claims  for  solution,  and  which  demand  the  most 
careful  study  and  wise  consideration.  Foremost  stands  the 
labor  question.  Concerning  the  relations  of  capital  and  labor, 
the  Republican  party  accepts  the  duty  of  so  shaping  legislation 
as  to  secure  the  full  protection  and  the  amplest  field  for  capital, 
and  for  labor,  the  creation  of  capital,  the  largest  opportunities, 
and  a  just  share  of  the  mutual  profits  of  these  two  great  servants 
of  civilization.  To  woman,  too,  and  her  new  demands,  it  extends 
the  hand  of  grateful  recognition,  and  proffers  its  most  respect 
ful  inquiry.  It  recognizes  her  noble  devotion  to  country  and 
freedom,  welcomes  her  admission  to  wider  fields  of  usefulness, 
and  commends  her  demands  for  additional  rights,  to  the  calm 
and  careful  consideration  of  the  nation. 

"  To  guard  well  what  has  already  been  secured,  to  work  out 
faithfully  and  wisely  what  is  now  in  hand,  and  to  consider  the 
questions  which  are  looming  up  to  view  but  a  little  way  before 
us,  the  Republican  party  is  to-day  what  it  was  in  the  gloomy 
years  of  slavery,  rebellion  and  reconstruction — a  national 
necessity.  It  appeals,  therefore,  for  support  to  the  patriotic 
und  liberty-loving,  to  the  just  arid  humane,  to  all  who  would 
dignify  labor,  to  all  who  would  educate,  elevate,  and  lighten 
the  burdens  of  the  sons  and  daughters  of  toil.  With  its  great 
record,  the  work  still  to  be  done  under  the  great  soldier  whose 
historic  renown  and  whose  successful  Administration  for  the 
last  three  years  begat  such  popular  confidence,  the  Republican 
party  may  confidently,  in  the  language  of  the  Convention  you 
represent,  start  on  a  new  march  to  victory. 

"  Having  accepted,  thirty-six  years  ago,  the  distinguishing 
doctrines  of  the  Republican  party  of  to-day — having  during 
years  of  that  period  for  their  advancement  subordinated  all 
other  issues,  acting  in  arid  co-operating  with  political  organiza 
tions  with  whose  leading  doctrines  1  sometimes  had  neither 
sympathy  nor  belief:  having  labored  incessantly  for  many 
years  to  found  and  build  up  the  Republican  party,  and  having, 
daring  its  existence,  taken  an  humble  part  in  its  grand  work, 
1  gratefully  accept  the  nomination  thus  tendered,  and  shall 
endeavor,  if  it  shall  be  ratified  by  the  people,  faithfully  to  per 
form  the  duties  it  imposes. 

"  Respectfully  yours, 

"HENRY  WILSON." 


HENRY  WILSON'S   SPEECH  AT  NATICK. 

Soon  after  the  nomination  of  MR.  WILSON,  the  citi 
zens  of  Natick,  Mass.,  assembled  for  the  purpose  of 
congratulating  him,  on  which  occasion  he  made  the 
following  speech: 


LIFE   OF    HON.    HENRY   WILSON.  371 

"  MR.  CHAIRMAN,  FRIENDS  AND  NEIGHBORS  : — I  have  no  words 
adequately  to  express  to  you  my  gratification  at  this  assem 
blage  of  those  with  whom  I  have  so  long1  lived,  those  that  I 
have  the  pleasure  of  knowing,  and  those  who  through  so  many 
years  have  been  kind  to  me  arid  to  mine.  During  the  past  two 
weeks  I  have  received  letters  from  eminent  men  in  various 
positions  of  our  country ;  I  have  met  friends  wherever  I  have 
been ;  I  have  received  kind  arid  cordial  greetings  and  con 
gratulations.  I  prize  all  this,  for  to  a  public  man  who  lias 
been  long  in  the  public  service,  who  has  little  else  in  this 
world,  the  kind  words  of  political  friends  and  of  personal 
acquaintances  are  ever  grateful.  But  I  say  to  you  from  the 
depths  of  my  heart  that  the  kind  words,  the  look  of  recognition 
and  of  approval  of  my  neighbors  and  rny  friends  are  dearer  to 
me  than  the  congratulations  of  any  other  portion  of  my  coun 
trymen.  More  than  thirty-eight  years  ago  I  came  into  3'our 
town  on  foot  from  my  native  home;  I  came  here  to  earn  a 
livelihood,  to  find  a  home,  to  support  myself  and  those  near  to 
me.  During  all  these  thirty-eight  years,  I  have  received  from 
the  citizens  of  this  town  evidences  of  friendship,  of  personal 
respect  and  of  devotion,  such  as  few  men  have  ever  received 
in  any  portion  of  our  country.  And  here  to-night,  ladies  and 
gentlemen,  one  and  all,  I  give  you  the  gratitude  of  my  heart 
for  your  kindness  to  me  in  the  years  gone  by,  and  your  kind 
ness  and  affectionate  regard  so  often  bestowed  upon  one  who 
is  not  here  to-night,  one  dearer  to  me  than  all  the  world  be 
sides.  It  is  not  proper  that  here  to-night  I  should  address 
you  on  political  affairs.  You  have  heard  my  voice  in  the  years 
that  are  past,  upon  the  various  questions  that  have  risen  for 
solution.  I  can  only  say  to  you  to-night  that  I  have  striven 
ever  to  be  true  to  my  country  in  peace  and  in  war,  to  maintain 
the  cause  of  equal,  universal  and  impartial  liberty,  to  maintain 
a  policy  that  tended  to  enlighten  our  countrymen,  lift  burdens 
from  the  toiling  millions,  and  make  our  country  what  all  wish 
our  country  should  be — a  great  democratic,  Christian  republic, 
the  admiration  of  all  the  world.  I  believe  that  during  our 
time  much  has  been  done  to  strengthen  and  build  up  our 
country  that  we  love  so  well ;  that  much  has  been  done  for 
freedom,  for  education,  for  development,  for  the  lifting  up  of 
the  masses  of  our  countrymen,  and  God  grant  that  whatever 
has  been  done  for  good  may  stand  forever,  and  that  the  errors 
that  have  been  committed  may  be  rectified  in  time  to  come. 
Friends,  I  stand  before  you  to-night,  having  been  supported 
over  and  over  again  through  public  life  by  your  generous  con 
fidence.  I  count  you  all  friends  here  to-night,  of  whatever 
political  opinions  you  may  be.  It  maybe  that  there  are  those 
around  me  and  about  me  who  have  thought  unkind  thoughts 
or  said  unkind  words ;  I  have  forgotten  them,  and  have  no 
memory  for  them  here  to-night.  I  thank  God  there  is  not  a 


372  LIFE   OF   HON.   HENRY  WILSON. 

man  or  woman  in  my  country  that  I  cannot  meet  and  offer 
the  hand  of  friendship  to.  Thanking  you  for  your  support, 
for  your  kindness,  for  the  many  evidences  of  your  affectionate 
regard,  I  and  those  near  and  dear  to  me  have  received,  1  will 
close  by  simply  saying  that  whatever  shall  be  the  result  in  the 
country  in  the  coming  canvass — if  defeat  comes,  I  shal.1  en 
deavor  to  bear  it  as  I  ought  to  do ;  if  victory  comes,  I  will 
simply  say  I  shall  strive  in  the  future,  as  I  have  in  the  past, 
to  serve  my  country  with  fidelity,  with  clean  hands  and  a  pure 
heart,  and  be  true  to  the  interests  of  my  fellow-men,  and 
always  to  side  with  the  weakest  and  the  poorest  portion  of  my 
countrymen  who  need  sympathy." 

WHAT  IS  THOUGHT  OF  MB.  WILSON. 

MR.  WILSON'S  nomination  has  received  the  endorse 
ment  of  the  Republican  party ;  he  is  very  popular  with 
the  working  classes,  and  the  colored  people  fully 
recognize  him  as  a  consistent  and  true  friend.  Born  to 
hard  work  himself,  he  has  always  sympathized  with  the 
laboring  classes  in  their  troubles,  and  has  ever  been  a 
prominent  advocate  with  tongue  and  pen  of  their  inter 
ests  ;  not  a  blatant,  selfish  professor  of  ideas  and  prin 
ciples  in  which  he  realty  took  no  interest,  but  an  earnest 
and  honest  friend  of  those  who  earn  their  bread  by  the 
sweat  of  their  brow.  In  the  home  of  the  wealthy  too, 
as  well  as  in  the  more  humble  dwelling  place  of  the 
representatives  of  industry  and  hard  work,  HENRY 
WILSON'S  name  is  a  synonym  for  all  that  is  good  and 
honorable ;  and  from  Maine  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and 
from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific,  his  nomination  was 
hailed  with  delight,  and  his  election  to  the  Vice-Presi 
dency  is  considered  a  certainty.  A  statesman  and  an 
orator,  Mil.  WILSON  is  also  an  author  of  considerable 
celebrity,  his  contributions  to  political  literature  pub 
lished  from  time  to  time  having  been  largely  circulated 
throughout  the  country,  among  them  being  the  following: 
"A  History  of  the  Anti-Slavery  Measures  of  the  Thirty- 
seventh  and  Thirty-eighth  Congresses ; "  "  Military 


LIFE    OF   HON.   HENRY  WILSON.  373 

Measures  of  the  United  States  Congress;"  "  History 
of  the  Reconstruction  Measures  of  the  Thirty-ninth  and 
Fortieth  Congresses ; "  " A  History  of  the  Part  which 
Congress  Played  in  the  War  to  Suppress  the  Rebellion," 
and  "A  History  of  the  Rise  and  Fall  of  Slavery  in  the 
United  States." 

SENATOR  WILSON  was  a  confidential  and  much  beloved 
friend  of  the  lamented  Lincoln;  and  that  friendship, 
combined  with  the  love  of  country,  which  was  a  part 
of  his  being,  and  with  his  hatred  of  oppression  in  &ny 
form,  made  him  the  true  and  undeviating  patriot  he 
was  during  the  rebellion — a  representative  of  patriot 
ism,  whose  loyalty  was  only  the  more  apparent  when 
the  death  of  his  only  son,  an  able  and  popular  officer 
of  the  Union  army,  agonized  his  heart. 

Colonel  John  W.  Forney  says  of  MR.  WILSON  :  "A 
little  too  impulsive  perhaps,  his  is  one  of  the  truest  of 
hearts — warm,  generous,  and  forgiving.  His  frugal 
habits  accord  with  his  strict  integrity.  He  is  inexpen 
sive  in  his  tastes  and  desires,  and  lives  among  his 
books  and  his  friends.  He  visits  a  great  deal,  and 
reads  much.  Active  and  quick,  regularly  in  his  seat  in 
the  Senate,  he  is  often  seen  on  the  Avenue  and  in 
society,  though  he  never  touches  wine  or  cigars.  He 
is  a  thorough  common  sense  man,  and  a  natural 
medium  between  quarreling  friends.  His  blows  are  for 
the  enemy ;  his  forgiveness  for  his  associates.  He 
hates  corruption  as  he  hated  slavery,  and  he  will  go  far 
to  punish  a  faithless  trustee." 


THE   END. 


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